Friends,

I am taking part in the 2021 ODRAM, along with hundreds of riders from around the world, to raise money for JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. ODRAM stands for One Day Ride Across Michigan, a 150-mile bike ride stretching across the state from Rothbury to Bay City. This is my first time participating in the event and it will be the longest distance that I have ever cycled.

Did you know that Type 1 diabetes:

• Strikes both children and adults suddenly and is unrelated to diet and lifestyle. 
• Occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is essential to turning food into energy. 
• Requires constant carbohydrate counting, blood-glucose testing, and lifelong dependence on injected insulin.

I am able to participate in this great event because of the tremendous advances made over the years in medical technology and treatment for Type 1 diabetics. At my diagnosis at age 10, treatment involved multiple insulin injections per day and checking my blood sugar level on a device that was amost half the size of a brick. Today, I wear an insulin pump that uses a continuous glucose monitor to constantly monitor my blood sugar level and automatically deliver the needed insulin dosage to maintain healthy levels in my body. Also, my glucose testing device is a small fraction of the size of my original device from years ago.

A tremendous amount of these advances have been the result of JDRF's research and advocacy. Every dollar that I raise helps them to continue bringing life-changing therapies from the lab to the community until a cure is found. 

I have been hard at work training and fundraising, and your gift today will propel me toward the finish line. Please consider donating and help JDRF achieve its goal of a world without T1D. Thank you for your support!

Be a part of one of the Michigan traditions - 150ish miles in one day or One Day Ride Across Michigan.

You can start by dipping your rear wheel in Lake Michigan and finish by dipping your front wheel in Lake Huron. This ride is a benefit for the JDRF - Working to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. To learn more about JDRF and the West Michigan Chapter visit www.jdrf.org/michigannoh/

Earn free gear by fundraising for JDRF - this is the place to do it!.
Fundraising levels:
$100 - ODRAM Cycling Cap
$250 - ODRAM Jersey
$500 - ODRAM Jersey & Bibs (or shorts)
$1,000 - ODRAM Full Kit and bonus gift
$7,500 - Sponsor a rider for a JDRF National Ride in 2021

 
To register for the ride please visit www.odram.com.  Contact us for more details at [email protected].

Looking forward to seeing you in August!

JDRF is the leading global organization funding T1D research

Millions of people around the world live with type 1 diabetes (T1D), a life-threatening autoimmune disease that strikes both children and adults. There is no way to prevent it, and at present, no cure. JDRF works every day to change this by amassing grassroots support, deep scientific knowledge and strong industry and academic partnerships to fund research. Learn more.