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Jewels Doskicz
Diagnosed at age thirteen, I’ve been living healthfully with Type 1 diabetes for the past thirty years; my youngest daughter Emma was also diagnosed at age five with Type 1 diabetes & celiac disease seven years ago. Our family is committed to finding and funding a cure for Type 1 diabetes – which is the driving force behind this JDRF century ride in Tucson. As a patient advocate and tireless JDRF volunteer I know that grass root engagement can generate change. My extensive life experiences coupled with my desire to help others have given life to Shesugar.com, which provides health coaching and informative, practical and uplifting information about life with Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. When I’m not whooping it up with my family, writing, volunteering or working as a nurse you’ll find me on my road bike, running, skiing, or getting my om on at yoga. |
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Sara Falconer
I have been T1d for 40 years, give or take a few months, and all that time I have been waiting.......eagerly, sometimes not so patiently, but always hopefully, for my cure. JDRF is THE leading global organization funding T1D research. New technology, including the Artificial Pancreas Project and Encapsulated Islet cells, are so close. These really are dreams, VISIONS come true, and even if they aren't actual biologic CURES, they are darn good things! And they haven't forgotten about a CURE either The researchers are talking about a potential vaccine, regenerating damaged beta cells, gene therapy and SO much more. It is all THERE....and we just can't lose hope! We need JDRF to continue this research until we have a world without Type One Diabetes. JDRF's mission is to lessen our burden, lessen our struggle, lessen our pain and fear, and lessen that of our loved ones. JDRF is focused on IMPROVING our lives and finding a CURE.....And they won't stop, until they turn Type One into Type None. Thank you very much and I will see you at the finish line! |
Melissa Fellure
Hi. That's me on the left of the photo. My name is Melissa Fellure and I've had type 1 diabetes since 1977.
I rode 40 miles for JDRF in the November 2015 El Tour de Tucson at the age of 54. The goal of riding 40 miles was a major accomplishment for me because I was overweight and not accustomed to regular exercise. But I really enjoy bike riding and supporting a great cause so I joined the early Saturday morning training rides for Tucson area JDRF riders led by Paul Steffen. The coaching and positive support I received showed me that I could make the 40 mile goal. Training with a group of riders familiar with diabetes was very helpful, too, because I didn't have to worry about being on a trail or road alone with hypoglycemia.
On El Tour day there was tons of support also. I even got to ride with a new JDRF friend I'd only met the day before, Trudy, pictured on the right. Trudy was supposed to ride with a niece who had diabetes, but her niece was too ill to participant. Trudy stuck with me the whole 40 miles, even though she was a much stronger rider. I rode about 12-13 miles/hour so it took a while to do the 40 miles. In the end, we crossed the finish line just 5 minutes before they closed the route down. What a great day!
Hi. That's me on the left of the photo. My name is Melissa Fellure and I've had type 1 diabetes since 1977.
I rode 40 miles for JDRF in the November 2015 El Tour de Tucson at the age of 54. The goal of riding 40 miles was a major accomplishment for me because I was overweight and not accustomed to regular exercise. But I really enjoy bike riding and supporting a great cause so I joined the early Saturday morning training rides for Tucson area JDRF riders led by Paul Steffen. The coaching and positive support I received showed me that I could make the 40 mile goal. Training with a group of riders familiar with diabetes was very helpful, too, because I didn't have to worry about being on a trail or road alone with hypoglycemia.
On El Tour day there was tons of support also. I even got to ride with a new JDRF friend I'd only met the day before, Trudy, pictured on the right. Trudy was supposed to ride with a niece who had diabetes, but her niece was too ill to participant. Trudy stuck with me the whole 40 miles, even though she was a much stronger rider. I rode about 12-13 miles/hour so it took a while to do the 40 miles. In the end, we crossed the finish line just 5 minutes before they closed the route down. What a great day!
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Peggy Mullan
I ride for my grandson, Mighty Max, who was diagnosed with T1D at the age of two and a half. He's now four years old, healthy, happy, active - and quite the trooper when it comes to checks and shots. His mom, Jessica, and dad, Danny also qualify as heroes in my book, so I ride for them as well. HERE'S to TYPE 1 to TYPE NONE! |
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PK Steffen
I ride and coach for... - My daughter Marlowe who was diagnosed at age five. - My wife and BFF who sometimes stays up through the night to keep watch over Marlowe's blood sugar and is constantly tweaking and managing her pump. - Everyone afflicted by Type 1 diabetes and all the loved ones who care for/worry about them. I ride for the often unseen and misunderstood T1D nation. I have never met such a strong, determined and caring group of individuals. I'm proud to ride again as the local coach for JDRF to help support the fellow riders who fund raise for this incredible organization. The money that we raise for JDRF goes to ground breaking research that directly improves the lives of those who struggle with the constant battle to maintain their blood sugar. It also funds research that will hopefully lead to a cure. No more pricks of little toes in the middle of the night, frightening lows, sickening highs, body parts scarred with healing infusion sites or manually attempting to emulate a pancreas with a pump or a syringe. Let's turn Type One in to Type NONE! Thank you for your help and support. |
