JDRF is proud to announce that our very own Pat Davidson, received the Promise Jersey at the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes in Sonoma on August 24th. The Promise Jersey is a way to recognize a rider who does not have T1D, puts others before themselves and truly exemplifies what the JDRF Ride program is all about – riding together for a world without T1D one dollar and one mile at a time.

Pat’s involvement with the Ride program spans over 15 years. In 2005, the JDRF Ride Program was just in its infancy when Pat conquered Death Valley as his first JDRF Ride.  Since 2005, Pat has not missed a JDRF Ride year, and is consistently recognized as one of the top 5 fundraisers in the country. Pat has participated in the JDRF Rides in Death Valley, Canada, La Crosse, Tahoe, Saratoga, Amelia Island and now Sonoma. When asked what advice he would give to someone who is on the fence about participating in the Ride to Cure, Pat said, “Get off that fence and get on your bike!  It will change your life.   You start out wanting to help others and make a difference and that does occur.  But, along the way, you meet some fabulous and inspiring people and I guarantee you will make some new friends!”

Pat has combined his passion for cycling and his need as a parent to take action when he learned that his daughter, Hannah, was diagnosed with T1D. Pat’s commitment to take action to cure T1D was only re-fueled when he learned that his son, Ben, was also diagnosed. Pat vows to never stop riding for a cure to type 1 diabetes.

The number of miles Pat has ridden over the last 15 years (from training rides to day of) is unimaginable, but we’re certain nothing will stop him. Pat is a powerhouse fundraiser for JDRF, raising well over $250,000 since 2005.  We asked Pat if he could share his secret to being such a successful fundraiser, “No secrets, just hard work and dedication to connecting and following up with people.  The best way to get something is to ask.  I probably contact about 250-300 people and about 150 people donate to JDRF on my behalf.” Beyond the Ride Program, Pat has been actively involved with both the NEWI and SEWI Chapters, attends the annual NEWI Chapter Gala, and Research Updates.  He is all things JDRF embodies.

Pat’s commitment to the JDRF Ride to Cure Program and funding for JDRF life-saving research is unwavering. When asked what receiving the Promise Jersey means to him, Pat said “It means I have one more cycling jersey!  Kidding of course, it means a lot to me as I’ve seen it given to some very special people I’ve gotten to know over the years, especially Dan and Theresa Knaus.  I’ve always admired and appreciated the hard work they and other Promise jersey recipients do for JDRF.  I’m proud of the hard work that I and thousands of others do for eradicating T1D and I’m very appreciative for being nominated and recognized for it.”

We cannot imagine a person more deserving of receiving the Promise Jersey than Pat Davidson. On Wisconsin!!!!