Dear friends and family:

I know many of us still are working our way out of the challenges of COVID and all that has entailed, and we all have struggled to adapt to the 'new' normal. 

One thing that has not changed for me (and for countless others) is the challenge of living with Type 1 diabetes. I still check my blood sugar multiple times a day, and while an insulin pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor ("CGM") that I wear 24/7 helps, it still can't replace the diligence needed to manage this disease 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For a type 1 diabetic, every snack, every meal and every physicial activity requires consideration and adjustment of insulin, and something as simple as sleeping through the night without the alarms and buzzing of the CGM warning me of my insulin level being too high or too low is a pleasure that unfortunately I do not know.

I am one of the lucky diabetics that has decent health insurance and the benefit of the latest and greatest technology, and still I am challenged. I still rely on my husband Marc to know - by my behavior - when I am getting low and grab the needed juice. I definately also rely on friends and teammates to remind me to check my sugar on long bike rides, and I rely on people constantly to notice if my behaviour appears 'off', usually meaning I am very low or very high. My sugar going from 350 at the start of a bike ride to 50 in less than an hour is unfortunately my reality.

Despite the challenges, I still feel that riding my bike and supporting the ADA and the tour de cure event is a necessity. I hope that my riding inspires others to learn more about diabetes and helps to raise important funds to suport diabetes camps for Type 1 children recently diagnosed and funds needed for more scientific research to seek a cure for this disease.

The August 20, 2023 will be my 11th year as the team captain of Cinco de Cure team participating in the Tour de Cure New England! I am excited to lead this fantastic group, with a varying group of people, many early ones having now moved away from New England but new ones who have joined. Thank you to so many fantastic and dedicated teammates, including of course Deb Kline who has been with the team from the start!

I am asking for your support for this important cause. I understand this is a challenging year for many, and any donation of any amount is welcome and very much appreciated.

Stay safe and thank you,

Laura Mann