For the past couple of years (2008 & 2009), Will and I rode in the Napa Valley Tour de Cure. This year is no different, as we will both be riding again. Although, it will be a little different - I am challenging myself to the 80-mile course this year with a friend of mine, Nick; Will will be sticking to the 25-mile course with Nick's wife, Jen. So beginning early Sunday morning, May 2nd, I will begin my journey through the beautiful farmland of Napa Valley.
I want to thank all of those who have donated to my cause! You are all truly awesome - I have successfully raised over $1000 this year! For those of you who don't know... this ride is very close to my heart. I take finding a cure to Diabetes very seriously, as most of my family members suffer from it.
My Dad has battled with Type 2 diabetes basically his entire life. With diabetes, high blood pressure, and a series of other health problems, it eventually led to him almost passing away in 2005. He has been on dialysis for the past 5 years. Both of his kidneys have failed, so he has to hook up to a dialysis machine at home every night for at least 9 hours. With that being said, the doctor's said that he should try applying for the Orange County (OC) transplant list.
We first found out good news of him getting on the OC transplant list in 2001 and being that he is a universal receiver, the doctor's said that he should have a transplant in less than a year. Of course, here we are in 2010 and still no transplant. So earlier this year, he decided to try to get on the San Diego County transplant list. This upcoming Tuesday, we should find out if he was successful of getting on the list. Keep your fingers crossed.
Side Note: One of the interesting things that we found out through this entire process is that you have to apply to each county separately in order to get on their transplant list. Also, you have to find a new doctor in each county, as well. They all have different restrictions and rules, as well.
If you would still like to help us out by donating to this cause, click here for my page or here for Will's.
Us at the Napa Valley Tour de Cure in 2009 - check out all of the mud on our face... it was pouring on us for the first 15 miles of our 50 mile ride! Let's hope it doesn't rain this year!
Us at the Napa Valley Tour de Cure in 2008 - it was nice and sunny then!
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