CHICAGO, December 23, 2020 – Over 3,500 riders joined JDRF for the very first JDRF My Ride season which attracted riders from all over the country, even globally, to hit the pavement, their local parks and their indoor trainers to raise funds for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. The new program reimagines the traditional ride structure allowing participants to make their experience unique utilizing the slogan “your ride, your distance, and your experience entirely.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many to change their in-person event plans, JDRF My Ride has seen no shortage of spirit, community and inspiration during the season.

Corporate partners like Livongo, now part of Teladoc Health, sponsored “Miles towards Mission” challenges to engage the community in fitness and fundraising efforts. Thousands of riders from across the country rode over 33,000 miles and raised over $570,000 as a result of the LivonGO the Distance Challenge. In total, Team Livongo increased their impact this year with 140 riders raising more than $506,000. On October 2-3, riders convened virtually for the JDRF My Ride Celebration, presented by Livongo, where thousands of riders tuned in to share stories, recognize each other’s accomplishments and celebrate as one community.

Other corporate partners, like CIBC, stepped up their support for JDRF’s mission to find a cure. In their first year as a My Ride team, the 12 members of Team CIBC raised more than $107,000. Thanks in part to the enthusiastic and dedicated leadership, members of Team CIBC were engaged in every aspect of the My Ride program – and it showed in their fundraising results.

During a year of uncertainty, Team Livongo, Team CIBC and all of Team Illinois made a huge impact. Overall, Team Illinois once again set a record as the highest-fundraising team with over $800,000 raised (and counting). But most importantly, their efforts will directly impact JDRF’s mission to create a world without T1D.  There is nothing more powerful than that.

To date, JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes has raised more than $50 million for T1D research, including $5 million (and counting) this year alone. We are thrilled with the results of this year’s My Ride season, and we look forward to the future. With partners like Livongo, now part of Teladoc Health, and CIBC, we are sure to continue to make an impact in the world of type one diabetes research.

For more information individuals should check the JDRF Illinois (Ride) website ride.jdrf.org.