To date, the JDRF Greater Western Carolinas chapter has had 42 bikers participating in five rides across the US. Two of those riders are new members to our Chapter Board, Loraine Smith and Betty Burns. We asked them to share their thoughts on what makes the Ride program so unique:

“There are so many ways you can raise money for JDRF: Walk for the Cure, Run for the Cure, Kick for the Cure, Dining, Galas, etc. But to Ride for the Cure is both fun and only as challenging as you want to make it. All seven rides offer different distances from 20, 40, 60, and up to 100 miles.  As a newly diagnosed type 1, I found myself looking for ways to raise money. I want to see a cure in my lifetime because I know what these type 1 kids and their parents must go through day after day in order to stay alive.  I was not a cyclist until now, and it is pure joy to get back on a bicycle! You feel like a kid again and you are exercising!  And once you finish a JDRF Ride, you experience a natural high you cannot put into words.” Loraine Smith

“This year will be my 12^th JDRF ride and my nephew’s 3^rd ride.  Matt, my nephew, was diagnosed with type 1 when he was only twelve.  I really knew very little about the disease when Matt was first diagnosed.  When doing some research on type 1, I ran across JDRF and the Ride to Cure.  People always ask me when I started riding bikes.  Unlike a lot of people, I started at four and never stopped! So the JDRF Ride to Cure was something I could do for Matt.” Betty Burns

As a chairperson for the 2017 Greenville Gala and a cyclist for JDRF, Loraine gladly accepted the position of Board member on the GWC chapter.   She shares, “I joined the Board to represent these type 1 kids who are too young to advocate for themselves.  I can be their voice through my passion, my leadership, and my commitment.”

Betty has stepped out of her comfort zone, but is excited to be part of the JDRF board.  “I am interested in learning more about what is going on to find/fund a cure for diabetes.  I think with continued funding for research a cure will be found in Matt’s lifetime! ”

Click here to donate to our Ride Team:  http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=6193&pg=team&team_id=201952