Dear Family and Friends,
Diabetes has affected on my family as long as I can remember, which has motivated me to leverage my passion for cycling to actively raise money for the continued research and eventual cure of this disease through the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
My dad was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 34 years old. He died at the age of 67, spending the last seven years of his life battling complications of diabetes including kidney failure, nerve damage, infections, digestive disorders and a multitude of other disabling health problems associated with this disease. My father demonstrated tremendous strength and endurance throughout his life, but especially during the last few years of his life as he focused on ways to cope with his health problems, deepen his faith, and hold onto hope. It took amazing strength some days for him to smile while feeling pain, to express his future dreams. One of his dreams was for there to be a cure for diabetes.
My sister, Fran, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 32 years old. After she was diagnosed, Fran committed herself to supporting the efforts of diabetes researchers as they get closer to combating this life-threatening disease. She has been a leading ADA fundraiser by participating in marathons and half marathons, and multiple long distance bike riding events, all in memory of our dad. She has also volunteered countless hours over the years educating children and adults afflicted with this disease, and currently spends many hours each week in support of the non-profit Diabetes Training Camp, an organization whose mission is "...to inspire, motivate and educate by delivering uniqe and customized programs and coacdhing that empower the community of people with diabetes to thrive". Fran is an inspiration to her family and friends, as well as medical professionals and hundreds of people afflicted with diabetes whose lives she has improved through her ceaseless attention, caring, and teaching.
In December of 2022, I was diagnosed with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA). This form of diabetes starts in adulthood (typically at ages much younger than I am) and slowly gets worse over time. I have been successful in managing my glucose levels and mitigating the worsening of LADA. Even in the early stages of LADA, I have gained an appreciation of the daily challenges those with diabetes live with constantly.
Diabetes research has resulted in advances in diabetes management, which improves the quality of life for millions of people living with this chronic disease. Continuous glucose monitoring systems, insulin pumps, and medications to slow the progression of certain complications are some examples of how research has resulted in improvements in the treatment of diabetes. These advances help inspire people with diabetes to work hard every day to maintain good sugar control. They also offer families with small children with diabetes hope for the future, as parents strive to balance the diet, exercise, and medication of their child.
Your donation to the New England Classic will help the American Diabetes Association support research and education to inform newly diagnosed patients how they can best manage their condition to live healthy lives. Additionally, a portion of my collected donations will have local impact, providing funding for kids to attend the ADA’s Camp Carefree in Durham NH. Camp Carefree continues to make a difference in children’s lives, especially those from rural New England who may have never met others with diabetes. Here, children and adolescents thrive in an environment where they have something in common with everyone there. Camp Carefree is very popular with teens, as it provides a safe haven where they can be themselves for the summer, returning each fall buoyed by the supportive environment that allowed them to be seen and understood. To gain an appreciation for the impact Camp Carefree has, please take a few minutes to watch this video https://vimeo.com/896649686.
Thanks again for your generous support!
Paul