May is National Bike Month! We couldn’t set up a better pitch for the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes program. Now is a great time to dust off the ol’ two-wheeler and gear up for these unique and inspiring fundraising events. Come together with cyclists from across the nation to raise funds for T1D research while taking in some pretty breathtaking views in Saratoga Springs, Death Valley, and more!

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Roger Jones’s daughter, Courtney, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of three. Courtney is now 26, and Roger continues to fight the good fight, joining others affected by T1D on a destination cycling event that benefits JDRF, known as the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes.

JDRF Ride has raised over $47 million for T1D research to date. This extraordinary event gives cyclists of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to support breakthroughs that transform the lives of people with T1D. Participants choose from one of six Ride locations, train with their local coach to achieve their mileage goals, and use guidance from their local chapters to meet (and exceed!) their fundraising commitments.

Roger will be riding in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in November 2018 as his fourth JDRF cycling event. It’s a weekend-long celebration that culminates in a life-changing, one-day ride. Roger, age 60, is also a Ride Champion. In this role, Roger serves as the chair of the local Ride Committee. He is one of two lead chapter volunteers overseeing the progress of recruitment, fundraising, and participant stewardship.

Read below to find out why Roger rides.

 

What excites you the most about being involved with Ride?

Riding together with all those who are working hard to raise T1D research dollars. There’s a certain energy on ride day—it’s powerful. I also love hearing the stories of the JDRF heroes—those who win the different jerseys. It’s inspiring to know what others are doing.

What are your fundraising strategies?

We write a letter that we post on Facebook, and we use the JDRF website to send out mass emails and follow-up thank-you notes. Courtney writes a JDRF Ride postcard to each donor with pictures from the ride. Courtney also solicited a spin studio to sponsor a spin class. All the proceeds from the class went to the Ride.

What is one tip you would share with those who are new to fundraising?

Write a personal letter explaining your journey with T1D—the ups, the downs, what you have been able to accomplish while fighting T1D. Most people think that people with T1D just take some insulin and everything is fine; they have no clue of the battles that take place on a daily basis. How have the changes in care—that were funded by JDRF—impacted you or your child? Courtney has the new Medtronic 670G, and this year’s letter will talk about how this has impacted her care—while giving the very clear message that this is not a cure. We are happy to share letters that we’ve used in the past!

How has JDRF’s support made a difference for you and your family?

JDRF’s support has been essential for us. When she was diagnosed at 3.5 years, JDRF was the group that said, “We are here for you, we understand, we are fighting back, and we are focused like a laser beam on finding a cure.” Initially, the parent groups that we had were critical for our acceptance of the condition.  As Courtney grew older, it felt good to be able to provide support to those who were newly diagnosed.  Now it’s just fun to get together with those with a common goal. When Courtney was young, we had a massive JDRF Walk team. It was important for Courtney to be able to feel the support of her friends.

What would you tell someone with T1D/a newly diagnosed family about JDRF?

JDRF will be your best support group. They are focused on finding a cure for T1D and its complications.  There is support for every age and every stage of those with T1D.

WHY RIDE?

It’s the one day of the year that I feel that I’m fighting back against T1D. I’m inspired every year to ride with others who are supporting T1D research and with those who have T1D. There’s a kinship that we share. It’s important to be with others who are fighting the same fight.

I enjoy the fundraising, as well as telling Courtney’s story and letting our friends know how the research—JDRF-funded research—is improving her quality of life. Setting a goal of 100 miles and training hard for the ride is important to me. Being disciplined with my training gives me a very slight appreciation for the discipline that Courtney goes through every day.

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JDRF Ride isn’t just a bike ride; it’s an experience where hundreds of riders come together from all over the world to make new friendships, enjoy the unparalleled camaraderie of the Ride community and raise money to help end T1D. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a professional cyclist to participate in one of the amazing events! JDRF Ride is about the mission, not the miles. We encourage riders of all ages and skill levels to visit ride.jdrf.org to learn more.

Have questions? Let’s talk! Please reach out to Development Manager Christina Cimino at ccimino@jdrf.org or 610-227-0371.