It’s almost time to head out to California for the Death Valley ride. (Three weeks. AGH!) But before I can board the plane, I have to cross another milestone. I need to have raised at least 75 percent of my fundraising goal by Oct. 11. I have been overwhelmed and blessed beyond measure at how many people have donated toward my ride. With every donation, I’m encouraged a little more. Those donations mean so much to me. It means you, my friends and family, believe in me. It means strangers believe in me. Every donation gives me a sense of empowerment to achieve this goal. Each dollar puts me one step closer to showing the next generation of kids how diabetes doesn’t have to hold you back. Anything is possible, and type 1 diabetes doesn’t change that a single bit.
But more than that — more than the personal cheerleading and encouragement — those donations also help millions of people around the world thanks to JDRF. Of each dollar given, 80 cents goes to research to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes. This ride is personal for me on many levels, and you probably already know that. But it’s personal for a lot of other people, too. Diabetes affects millions of people around the world. It isn’t selective by race, gender, social status or geography. Type 1 diabetes can affect anyone. Anywhere. Anytime. And for all of those living with this chronic disease, your donation to my ride helps them, too.
So know that I am incredibly thankful. I am grateful to everyone who has been so generous in giving. My heart is overwhelmed by your generosity in praying for me and this ride. If you’re still on the fence about donating or supporting this ride monetarily, I hope you’ll decide to give. The ride is personal for me, but diabetes is personal for a lot of people.
To donate, click here to visit my JDRF Ride page.