On August 20 I am departing on a 3,791 mile bike ride over seven weeks across the Country from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine in support of Diversity in Diabetes, a non-profit committed to providing education, support and access to underserved members of both the Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes communities.
Not many of you know, but I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2020 following five years of immunotherapy to treat a bad case of Melanoma. My cancer is in check, but I am a diabetic. Type 1 Diabetes is a confounding condition. There is no pill. There is no remission. There is only insulin, which must be administered externally. For a Type 1 Diabetic, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels requires discipline, planning and 24/7 monitoring. Thanks to the care and support of the incredible Oncologists, Endocrinologists, Nutritionists and the nursing staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the dedicated clinical team at Integrated Diabetes Services, I have been able to manage my condition and have continued to live my life on my terms. I have healthy habits and access to excellent health care, health insurance and the best technologies. I have a wife and family that are supportive and accommodating to my dietary particularities and forgiving of the glucose alarms that sound at odd times throughout the night.
Despite all of that, I am challenged every day by my condition. My heart goes out to those who do not have access to the same support, resources and community. There are amazing organizations such as Breakthrough T1D that I believe will help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes in my lifetime. Until there is a cure, we need organizations such as Diversity in Diabetes, which, through their programming and outreach, are dedicated to helping those who are struggling with this condition today.
Cycling 90+ miles a day for seven weeks straight is a daunting undertaking. Riding 7+ hours a day with Type 1 Diabetes elevates the challenge to a different level. I know that I am up to it. I hope that you are too. Please give generously to support the important and impactful work of Diversity in Diabetes. Please visit https://www.diversityindiabetes.org. Follow my ride on Instagram @P2P4T1D.
All donations are appreciated. Any donations posted before July 1 of $500 or more will be recognized with your name or logo displayed on a custom designed cycling jersey that I will be sporting on the ride.
Thanks. Andy Kramer
"Whoever saves a single life is considered to have saved the world." (Maimonides)
