A local cyclist is preparing to raise funds to find a cure for diabetes, a devastating disease that kills one American every three minutes.Jennifer Spero, a senior at Stevens Technical Institute in Hoboken, will join about 150 other cycling enthusiasts from throughout the country amid the stunning scenery of the Monterey Peninsula, to help put diabetes under her wheels during the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Ride to Cure Diabetes 2003 to be held May 29 to June 1.
"Insulin is not a cure – my hope is that what we are doing will help further research so that a cure will soon be discovered," expresses Jen. The goal is to raise $500,000 for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. This event is sponsored by Olivio Premium Products based in Boston.
"The Ride is rewarding and powerful on many levels," said Jay Handy, National Head Coach for the Ride and a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in Madison, WI. "Riders are committed to JDRF’s mission to find a cure. During the training and the actual Ride, they become very close to their team members. Riders hear many stories and share of themselves while performing this physically demanding task. There isn’t a dry eye at the finish line as a great feeling of personal and shared accomplishment is experienced by all."
Many participants in the Ride to Cure Diabetes have a personal connection to diabetes. Jennifer Spero is riding in honor of the 17 million individuals who have diabetes in the United States. One story that has touched her along the ride in particular is that of a little girl by the name of Katherine Wong (age 7).
Katherine was diagnosed at age 3 ½. That means she has lived half her life taking insulin shots three times a day. " I wish that I could just be like any other kid and not have to worry about things like blood sugar readings and insulin shots," expresses Katherine in a letter to Jennifer.
Each rider recruited is challenged to raise a minimum of $3,000 in order to be eligible to participate in the Ride. JDRF has staff available to provide fundraising guidance to help participants reach their goal. The registration fee is $100, which counts toward the $3,000 goal. Riders from beginners to experts can choose from 32, 69, or 101-mile routes. All travel, bike transportation, lodging at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, and meals are covered for the duration of the Ride trip.
Organizers encourage anyone at least 18 years old (must have turned 18 by December 31, 2002) who is interested in biking for this most vital cause to sign up. Younger participants between ages 13 and 18 must have a signed parental consent and be accompanied by an adult at all times. Slots fill up fast, so interested cyclists are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
This is the third year that the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes is a national event, attracting both experienced and novice riders from all regions of the United States. The ever-growing ride, in its sixth year overall, was started by a handful of JDRF Chapters with 25 riders mostly from the Mid-West.
JDRF, the leading charitable funder and advocate of juvenile (type 1) diabetes research worldwide, was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes – a disease which strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin-dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $600 million in direct funding to diabetes research. In a typical year, 85 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. JDRF’s mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.
For more information about the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes or to donate to Jen’s ride, visit www.ride.jdrf.org, or call the JDRF Mid Jersey Chapter at (732) 296-7171.