Claire Kackley- JDRF Ride To Cure Diabetes

Published September 21, 2016 in Events, Fundraising

Tell us why you have decided to join the Ride to Cure Diabetes

160 — Claire and her son Brendan pictured with Tom and Nancy McManus

Name: Claire Kackley, Death Valley 2016

Who or what has inspired you to take on the challenge of the Ride?
My son, Brendan, inspired me to ride in the JDRF ride. He had seen friends of ours in their Ride jerseys and said he wanted to do that too. I thought, “No way.” And yet here I am getting ready to ride in m 4^th JDRF ride.

If you have T1D, how old were you when you were diagnosed?
I do not have Type 1, but my son was diagnosed 6 years ago when he was 11 years old.

Are you already a rider or did the Ride inspire you to become a rider?
I hadn’t really ridden a bike since I was a kid but when Brendan said he wanted to ride, I wasn’t going to let his Type 1 hold him back. So I got back on the bike.

Please share what you hope this experience will bring to you.
Well the past rides have been a great experience for me. Seeing all the support that everyone gives especially to the youth riders is amazing. Really brings goosebumps. This year we are riding in Death Valley which has been Brendan’s dream since we started riding. We are all excited for this new adventure.

How many years have you participated in the Ride?
3 years. This will be my 4^th.

Do you or have you participated in other JDRF events/programs?
We have participated in JDRF Walks and Gala.

Who comes along to support you at the ride?
This year my husband will be joining Brendan and I in his first JDRF ride along with my brother-in-law. My son David will be there volunteering as well.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining the Ride to Cure Diabetes?
I would tell them that it is an amazing experience. It is probably one of the best things I’ve done. As a parent, it was so moving to see the support he was given as a youth rider with Type 1. You hate to see your child deal with this disease day in day out, so this program is so uplifting and inspiring.

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