This year I served as the Team Captain for the 'Pacific Power Riders'.  Our team which is made up of PacifiCorp employees, friends, family, business associates and partners raises a significant amount for the ADA.  We are about 70 riders and join forces with Dawson's Riders, another Pacific Power team which brings out total to about 100 riders.

Some people know people wtih diabetes that they ride for; others have diabetes; some people just like the ride and cause and spend their Saturday supporting the Tour and having alot of fun.

This was my second year in riding and I loved every minute (well, maybe not that last hill). 

An amazing job is done by the vast arraey of volunteers and at the core, the heart of this event is Kris Bockmier.  She represents a true passion, heartfelt commitment as well as a personal devotion to make this event what it is.  For her it's a career but also personal in that her son Tommy has Type 1 diabetes.  So this is all far too close to home for her. 

Pictures from this year's event

I've truly enjoyed being part of this:  while I (fortunately), don't have any close family with diabetes, I see that devastation it has on those that do have it and see what toll it's taking on the health of our country. 

I am inspired by the commitment that Pacific Power has made to this year after year and am honored to be a part of it.  Our team is really full of special individuals who raised nearly $30,000 for the 'Cure' in 2011 - the top corporate team.

This year's ride took place yesterday, July 30th.  I rode it with my son Patrick and my husband.  This was my first time riding with my son - and his first Century.  It was a truly memorable event for us personally as a family. 

Jana

What is the Tour de Cure:

The Tour de Cure is a series of fundraising cycling events held in 43 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association. The Tour is a ride, not a race, with routes designed for everyone from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist. Whether you ride 10 miles or 100 miles, you will travel a route supported from start to finish with rest stops, food to fuel the journey and fans to cheer you on!

What is Diabetes:

About Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery. Both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles in the cause of type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes
Results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes
Usually results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms can seem harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes. Some diabetes symptoms include: frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision. If you have one or more of these diabetes symptoms, see your doctor right away.

Diabetes Complications are Serious

  • Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Leading cause of kidney failure
  • Nervous system disease and nontraumatic lower-limb amputations

For more information about diabetes, please visit www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES.