Recruiting new riders each year is what makes the Ride to Cure program grow by leaps and bounds. During the 2018 Ride season, our chapter had a record-breaking 22 new riders. Our chapter received the “Top Recruiter” award for recruiting the most new riders for the Saratoga ride with 18 new riders. This was so exciting to our 37 returning chapter riders and their families.

One of our first time riders, Danny Faryniarz, took the time to answer some questions about his “Ride Experience”

Who do you ride for?
I ride for me, my wife Julie, my kids Andrew, Katie, and Robbie, and all the people who I continue to meet that have been fighting this fight for much longer than I.

How old were you when you were diagnosed?
I was diagnosed on September 1, 2017 at the tender age of 53!

Were you already a rider or did the Ride inspire you to become a rider?
I’ve been a rider for many years but only associated with JDRF since I was diagnosed.  My early riding was initiated to raise money for the Pan Mass Challenge – A 2-day, 198 mile ride from Sturbridge, MA to Provincetown, MA which raises funds for The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund.  I have been riding for 7 years at Pan Mass Challenge and 1 year doing the CT Challenge (100 mile) for Cancer in 2017, before I was aware I was T1D!

Do you or have you participated in other JDRF events/programs?
I have attended some presentations but outside of the ride, a JDRF gala in 2018 in Greenwich, CT, and some educational events, I am very new to T1D and JDRF.

What was the highlight of this year’s ride?
Having my wife Julie get back on the bike to ride with me.  The last time Julie rode her bike was the final day of the Pan Mass Challenge back in 2011 I think!  Having Julie join me in this challenge makes a huge difference.

Were there any challenges for you during the ride?
Fortunately I’m familiar with the challenges a 100 mile brings when you haven’t trained as much as you should!  And they didn’t let me down, the last 25-30 mile were very hard.

Who comes along to support you at the ride?
My wife Julie was with me the whole weekend and rode 100km!!  We’ve recruited a couple more riders for 2019 and hopefully will be successful in recruiting more!

Did you work with any of our coaches this year?
No, I entered pretty late and did my training by myself.

Are you participating again in 2019?
Yes, both my wife and I will participate, my eldest son may participate, and we have at least 2 friends from college who are going to ride.  Trying to get more to join as well.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining the Ride to Cure Diabetes?
Please join us, not only is it fun, the challenge for T1D patients are real and without JDRF and their efforts, the advancements in care for T1D patients wouldn’t be nearly this far along.  Money raised from these rides provides immeasurable value in research and advocacy.

We extend our thanks and sincere appreciation to Danny and his wife, Julie, for riding and raising a total of $ 21,526. Congratulations to Danny and Julie!

If you are interested in learning more about the Ride to Cure Diabetes, read our recent blog The Ride to Cure Diabetes is Amazing!