The Week Is Here

This is a big week for The Shafer Family. While this is our second time doing the Ride to Cure Diabetes event, anytime we participate in a diabetes fundraiser I am constantly reminded how important it is to have great Type IIIs to lean on in life. In less than two weeks, I will have my 12 year anniversary since being diagnosed with diabetes. If it had not been for our loyal and gracious friends and family, the journey over the last 12 years would have been much more difficult. From my parents who were with me on Day 1, to Jessica who puts up with me today, day 4,367, I could not have done it for this long by myself.

Everyone has their own trials and tribulations. There are always times when you want to "turn around, pack it up, and call it quits" (- Steve Jobs Quote). Jobs goes on to say "these are the times that you know that you are pushing yourself, that you are not afraid to learn by trying." We all have obstacles to overcome. Life is never easy, living with any type of medical condition is never easy, cycling 100 miles is never easy, taking the plunge for that "job of your dreams" is never easy. Whatever the situation, it is through perseverance, determination, and a support network, that we all make it through.

On Thursday morning, Jessica and I leave for the airport. We fly west and will be in Death Valley by dinner. The entire Ride Weekend is a great testament to the hard work of JDRF. However, and this is frequently said, "JDRF is in business to put themselves out of business." Maybe this is the last year that an event like the Ride is needed. Maybe next week, next month, or next year, a cure will be found. Those of us with diabetes will be cured and then focus on the part of scientists and researchers can be turned to other incurable questions that remain. Until then, please continue supporting anyone you may know who is also in the fight for a cause close to their heart.

Time to start packing and tieing up loose ends before we head out. The high today in DV was 99, Saturday is forecasted to be 100 on the dot. Maybe a rain shower will pass through the desert this week and cool things down! Mm, maybe not...

By the way, I am only $130 away from my $3,000 goal. Pass this on to someone else who you may know that would be interested in making a gift to the cause! Or, just ask them to CLICK HERE. Thank You!