2023RideEmailAppeal

I'm writing to let you know that our family is preparing for the 2023 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Ride to Cure Diabetes. This annual effort started in 2002 as “Team Chad and Dad” and has evolved into a family effort. This year will be our 22^nd year of participation.

Chad completed 25 rides (including crossing Death Valley 13 times). His spirit will be with us as we ride in his memory during 2023. Melissa is riding in her 14^th event at Amelia Island in December. I will be taking my 28^th ride at Burlington Vt in July followed by Amelia Island in December with Melissa for my 29^th trek... as always Donna will help with fundraising and supporting our efforts (which in the past included standing at the top of Jubilee Pass at a check point volunteer in 100 plus degrees).

Melissa's training has been hampered during recovery from foot surgery – but she continues to show determination to ride and raise $$$. As noted earlier, she will be riding in Amelia Island Florida. This is where she completed her first century ride (100 miles) in the face of a constant sea breeze blowing off the Florida shores. This is also the venue where she was presented with the 2016 Spirit Jersey for displaying the “Spirit” of The Ride all season long. She faces ride challenges with a smile on her face at all times - encouraging other riders along the way - both online and at the events.

She has also successfully faced the challenges that Type One Riders need to overcome in managing her blood glucose levels during these endurance cycling events.

As we prepare for our rides – and come to terms with injuries that might impact our mileage goals – our focus is on the challenge of reaching our fundraising goals.

In that context we are in awe and THANKFUL for the many faithful and generous donors who have made it possible for our Family Ride Team to have recently passed the $280,000 mark; in terms of the total dollars we have raised through The Ride since we started participating back in 2002.

Of course as we celebrate that milestone, we are about a year and a half into what many would call “the grieving process” associated with the loss of Chad. During that time with each passing day - things don't get better - they just get different.

There are two days that standout and serve as book ends to Chad's life story; the day he was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes (T1D) in 1974 at the age of 23 months and the day his fight against T1D ended on December 4^th, 2021.

He never let T1D keep him from living life to the fullest. Chad became an avid biker when he was just a little guy when he started BMX racing. Then he moved on to mountain bikes; downhill, slalom, cross country and eventually single speed. When he wasn't dodging rocks & trees in the woods, he was training for the Ride to Cure Diabetes.

Chad completed 25 JDRF Rides, including 13 treks across Death Valley. He did all of this while trying to manage his T1D through diet, insulin and technology. It wasn't an easy road.

Research made a difference in Chad's life as well as for many others dealing with T1D. He lost his sight in one eye due to T1D. It was restored, thanks to technology that resulted from JDRF funded research. His life expectancy at the time of his diagnosis was 25 years. Thanks to progress in T1D management resulting from JDRF funded research, his life lasted almost twice that initial expectation.

He “Lived to Ride” and he “Rode to Live”.

This year we (Melissa & I) will ride in Chad's honor and memory in recognition of the inspiration Chad provided to so many other T1D riders. We know Chad will be with us in spirit.

Your donation now, will help support research focused on unlocking the clues for better treatments, prevention and a cure. This research has a positive daily impact on those struggling with T1D. Please consider donating today - to help us turn Type One into Type NONE.

Donations can be made online by selecting this line!

We are only seeking donations toward Melissa's Ride. My two rides are already at goal!

If you prefer to mail your donation ~ that works as well.

Thank you for your kind consideration of our annual appeal.

If this is not a convenient time to donate,

then please print this email and place it

smack-dab in the middle of your refrigerator door as a reminder.

Riding In Chad's Memory,

Charlie Lawrence

Representing Team Lawrence

Chad, Dad , Melissa & Mom!