JDRF Ride to Cure

"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward"-Amelia Earhart

When I was diagnosed with diabetes 14 years ago I rebelled as most teenagers and new diabetics do. I was constantly in and out of the hospital - Who needed insulin? Who needed their blood sugar checked? I did obviously. I hated having diabetes but after one too many stints in the ER, I decided to take care of myself. I did a decent job, but four years ago I decided I had room for improvement. So, I made the decision to act, that act was joining the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundations (JDRF) Ride to Cure Diabetes. The monies raised go towards research in finding a cure for the disease. Being part of the organization was the best decision I've ever made. I've been able to better manage and understand both my body and the disease. I've been able to meet such inspiring wonderful people & make lifelong friends along the way. I was never an athlete. I've become an athlete. A diabetic athlete.

Last fall my friend completed her first Ironman race. She's an athlete. She's an Ironwoman. She's a diabetic. She's inspiring and she inspired me to act yet again. So I trained for 2 ½ months and I did it! On my birthday I competed in my first sprint triathlon. I'm hooked and plan to one day compete in an Ironman. I also joined a team called Triabetes. It consists of triathlete diabetics; some are new to the sport while others are seasoned triathletes. All are diabetic & all are inspiring.

So, do I hate having diabetes the way I did? No. Is it annoying? Sure. But I've come full circle. I'm grateful for all the opportunity. A friend asked me how I define myself. Am I a triathlete, diabetic or student? I told him I was a diabetic athlete; that diabetes has opened up so many doors for me; it's shaping my future. The Ride to Cure is what helped start it.

As you've done so very generously in the past, I am asking you to make a decision to act. I'm asking for a donation that will help me in achieving my goal of $3,500.00 for this years Ride to Cure taking place in Killington, VT on August 29, 2009. All donations are tax deductible! I have attached the link for you to make donations by credit card. My Ride to Cure donation page.

If you have any questions you can email me shadow.00jj@yahoo.com or call my cell phone 718-930-9673. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Each year I look forward to the ride. Not just for the wonderful experience it offers, but because I know how much I've changed because of it. I made the decision to act. Even though your not there, your part in this ride is just as big as mine. I could NEVER do this without YOUR support.

All my love and deepest gratitude,
Jen



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