Joseph Mure
La Crosse, Wisconsin
August 13-16, 2026
Set against the stunning backdrop of Wisconsin’s bluffs and the mighty Mississippi River, this ride begins in La Crosse and spans three states. Perfect for families and beginners, this Ride offers a variety of distance options and breathtaking Midwest views that are sure to leave a lasting impression!
“This Breakthrough T1D community embraced us right away. We started back in 2019 when my daughter was diagnosed. Right away it was the family you never knew existed, but you’re happy that they did. They bring you in right away and let you know that the struggles you go through on a daily basis are shared. They’re not unique to you. That gives you just a little bit of hope.“
The Cascades, Washington
August 27-30, 2026
Experience the untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest with the inaugural Breakthrough T1D Ride in The Cascades! Starting in Cle Elum—just east of Snoqualmie Pass—this breathtaking route weaves through pine forests, mountain valleys, and crystal-clear rivers. With crisp alpine air and panoramic views at every turn, riders will find both serenity and exhilaration in equal measure. Choose your distance and immerse yourself in the wild, rugged magic of Washington’s Cascade Mountains with this inaugural Ride!
*We are quickly working to finalize our routes for the Cascades—they will be announced as soon as possible and will be added to our 2026 Ride with GPS collection! You can expect elevation similar to Coeur d’Alene at about 3,800 feet.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
September 24-27, 2026
Discover the scenic charm of New England for Breakthrough T1D’s second ever Cape Cod Ride! This picturesque cycling event offers a blend of flat roads, ocean breezes, and the iconic coastal vistas that make Cape Cod a cyclist paradise. With route options extending up to 100 miles, riders of all abilities can enjoy winding through quaint seaside villages, salt marshes, and sandy beaches. Whether you’re captivated by the historic lighthouses or the endless horizon of the Atlantic, this is a Ride that promises unforgettable memories!
“My brother was diagnosed with T1D almost thirty years ago, when he was nine years old. Life was never easy for us growing up. And yet, my brother is one of the most positive people I know. If he can do what he does every day and come through with a smile, then I can ride for a cure in his honor.”
Austin, Texas
October 29-November 1, 2026
Saddle up for a one-of-a-kind Texas experience with the Breakthrough T1D Ride in Austin, back for the first time since 2002 with a new route! Nestled in the heart of Hill Country, this Ride features rolling terrain, sweeping vistas, and a perfect mix of challenge and charm. Riders will pedal past live oak–lined roads and quiet ranchlands—capturing the vibrant spirit that makes Austin truly unique. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned cyclist, you’ll find plenty of Texas hospitality along the way!
*We are quickly working to finalize our routes for Austin—they will be announced as soon as possible and will be added to our 2026 Ride with GPS collection! Riders can expect rolling hills with elevation gains of about 3,500 feet.
Amelia Island, Florida
December 3-6, 2026
Experience the natural beauty of Northeast Florida on the Amelia Island Ride. Riders will be treated to flat roads, trees draped in Spanish Moss, and sweeping ocean views as they explore this stunning destination. With route options ranging up to 100 miles, cyclists of all levels can enjoy scenic rides through pristine beaches, marshlands, and maritime forests. With vistas like these, the Amelia Island Ride is one you won’t want to miss!
“My first Ride was Death Valley in December 2001, and I found a whole new community to be inspired by. I was in awe watching riders with T1D accomplish this challenging physical task—and doing it better than me. I was young and fit back then and they still left me in the dust. I did another Ride in 2003, and I knew I’d be back for more.”
My Ride
Your way, your day!
With Breakthrough T1D My Ride, you have the flexibility to join a local ride in your area or create your own mileage and fundraising challenge. You will still receive guidance from coaches and your local Breakthrough T1D chapter to help you reach your goals.
You rode. We cheered you on. Together, we fueled type 1 diabetes (T1D) breakthroughs.
1,600+
Total number of Riders in 2025
9
Countries represented for Ride 2025
200+
Ride volunteers in 2025
5
Ride locations explored in 2025
$8.2 million
Total dollars raised by Ride in 2025
12
Ride 2025 Corporate Teams
Our Riders are united by a common goal: a world without type 1 diabetes.
The passion of our community is unparalleled. We made a leaderboard of our top fundraisers.
Top Fundraisers in 2025
Karen Case
William Freeman
Patrick McFeeley
Lyn Stubblefield
Top Chapter Teams in 2025
Illinois Chapter
Wisconsin Chapter
Greater New York Metro Chapter
North Carolina Chapter
Pacific Northwest Chapter
Top Corporate Teams in 2025
Medtronic
Novo Nordisk
Hy-Vee
Transcarent
Chesapeake Community Advisors
Breakthrough T1D Ride is more than cycling—it’s a movement to cure type 1 diabetes.
I am truly humbled by the dedication of this community.”
Thanks to organizations like Breakthrough T1D, managing type 1 diabetes is easier than it’s ever been. But it’s still an all day, every day disease. After five decades, I am ready for a cure.”
I couldn’t be prouder to stand with this community and help pave the way for cures.”
My dad has been riding with Breakthrough T1D since I was diagnosed. Together, we’ll all get closer to creating a world without T1D.”
Join us in 2026 as we Ride toward a future without T1D!
Written by author and dedicated Breakthrough T1D supporter, advocate, and volunteer Moira McCarthy, pictured above with her daughter, Lauren
It’s now part of my morning routine, but not in the way most type 1 diabetes (T1D) parents would expect.
I grab my phone, open the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) app, and squeal with delight while wiping a strange salty substance from my eyes.
Because, just about every morning, I see something I thought would never be possible in my daughter’s 28 years of living with T1D: a perfectly straight line, totally in range.
It feels—and I not only don’t use this word lightly, but I’ve also never actually used it for a diabetes breakthrough before—transformational.
Starting a new T1D tool
My daughter, Lauren, diagnosed with T1D at age 6 and now almost 34, was late to the game when it came to automated insulin delivery (AID) system adoption. But, about three months ago, she–as her amazing adult endocrinologist kept telling me she someday would when she was ready–decided to give it a try. She chose one of the new, snappy automated insulin delivery systems as her newest tool after a seven-year pump break using pens and a CGM.
She was nervous. She’d experienced some tough years of burnout in the past and had long connected that with using a pump. She was hopeful, but skeptical.
It took her about 24 hours to realize this was truly worth it. And it took me about as much time to feel saved. Saved!
And here’s the cool thing: As long-time JDF, then JDRF, and now Breakthrough T1D volunteers, we absolutely saved ourselves.
That’s because, raising our hands from nearly the start (we attended our first Walk a year after her diagnosis), we were able to not only dream of what could be, but also make it happen.
There’s power and beauty in that, at a level I didn’t anticipate. And that’s the story I want to share. How we, just an average American family impacted by T1D, were able to lead, push, advocate, and win our way to access to smart devices like automated insulin delivery systems. We helped create a solution.
I should preface this with a fact: I’ve never been one to worry about my daughter. I attribute that to having raised her before technology and before the internet. We learned to trust and know that sometimes things go awry, but we can fix them.
But all T1D parents worry. Me? I worried about way, way down the road. Would she be okay in her midlife and later? I wasn’t sure.
Fueling breakthroughs from the ground up
Nearly 20 years ago, I was at an International Board of Directors meeting when then member Jeffrey Brewer had what I call his “pound the shoe on the table” moment. He offered $1 million with the stipulation that we, as an organization and as people passionate about a cure, also focus on creating technology to help people live better with T1D.
I was all in.
As National Advocacy Chair at the time, I helped our organization find funding and people for the original CGM trials. (Did you know no one else would do it, so we just did it ourselves with such great success that industry jumped on board?) We also fought for coverage—we literally found a person in every major insurance plan and filled out paperwork to get the first person covered in each, setting the precedent and swinging the doors open for all (well, almost all; insurance is a work in progress).
We did the Walks—our team, “Got Islets,” was one of the most successful in the nation. Then my daughter and I did the Rides, with our many friends continuing to donate after decades of us asking. Being directly involved gave me a voice in where funding went and how we focused our efforts. To me, tools that lessen the daily, hour-by-hour burden just made sense.
But, until a few months ago, it lived only in my imagination. While we’d always been early adopters (Lauren was the first young child in our state to go on a pump and one of the first in America to go on a CGM), as I said, it took time for her to be ready for this.
Little victories add up to big outcomes
Friends, it’s not a fever dream. This is real, and it’s spectacular. My daughter’s A1c fell quickly to nearly non-diabetic range. Her other labs are, as her endocrinologist said, “those of a person without diabetes.”
But more than that: She feels great! “Mom,” she told me the other day, “this sleeping all night thing? It’s pretty great!”
She feels more focused and refreshed—and since she works in advocacy fighting for coverage and treatments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, that matters.
A Soul Cycle and Pilates enthusiast, she’s finally solved her workout dilemma. Before the automated insulin delivery system, her pattern was this: work out hard, crash low, eat all the carbs on the planet, marinate in remorse. Now? Activity mode works like a charm for her. No more blood sugar crashes, and way more workout satisfaction. Post-workout, she marinates in the feeling of success. The little things are the big things.
Finding our voice for powerful change
When we talk about my daughter’s improvements (and they’re such a big deal, we talk about them a lot!), we always go back to how we helped make this happen.
Like any long, long-term relationship, the organization and I have had our ups and downs. But I realize this: Had I not stumbled upon that Walk in 1998 (thank you, Marshall’s employee, for asking me if I wanted to give a dollar to help cure diabetes. Look what you did!), we may not have found our power, our voices, and our ability to bring positive change. And that feeling of having been a part of bettering her life firsthand? It’s incredible. We found power in what felt like a powerless future.
By the way, that “we” is more than my family. Every time I bump into friends who are long-time donors to this cause, I click on my phone, show them her in-range chart, and cry as I tell them, “YOU did this for us. YOU made this happen. I promised you every time you donated, I’d never just let your money go into a black hole. Here’s the proof. You did this for my kid.”
And me? An average suburban mom, given what seemed on day 1 to be an unbearable burden? Rather than give in to that, Breakthrough T1D helped me rise from it.
If you see me around, ask me to show you the graph I looked at that morning. When that salty substance leaks down my cheeks, know those are tears of joy.
And of thanks. We did what every parent dreams of: me, my friends, and Breakthrough T1D changed my child’s life for the better. This mom is over the moon. I cannot wait to see what the next generation of T1D parents and people living with T1D make happen. Because it’s truly in our hands.
We are our own solution. And from this view, that feels pretty darn great.
Your story matters
Living with T1D looks different for everyone. We want to hear your story: the highs, the lows, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the people who have supported you on your journey.
Living a full and healthy life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) became clear to Matt Edgington when he was a teenager. He had been living with T1D since the age of 4, but his teenage years brought frustration and burnout. He didn’t check his blood sugar enough or administer the right amounts of insulin, resulting in a less-than-ideal A1C. “Coupling hormones with an attitude-filled teenager was just a recipe for disaster,” he said. “I wish I could say that was some kind of wake-up call, but it really wasn’t.”
Around that time, Matt started riding mountain bikes with his older brother and friends. That was the start of a major shift in his life. “As I started to ride more, everything just started to click: the better my blood sugar was, the better I was able to ride. The more I rode, the easier it was to control my blood sugar. It became a revolving door that had a huge impact on my life.”
Team Mattman
When Matt was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it didn’t entirely come as a surprise. His father, Ruedy, was diagnosed with T1D in 1970 at age 12 (and told by his doctor that he wouldn’t live to be 18!). “It was obviously horrible for them, but it wasn’t like this brand new, unknown thing,” Matt said. “My dad had been managing his T1D for 30 years at that point, and my mom was familiar with the day-to-day life of it.”
The Edgingtons immediately got involved with Breakthrough T1D (then JDRF), starting a Walk team, Team Mattman, in their Reno, NV, chapter that continued for the next 14 years. “That was, hands down, my favorite day of the year, every year,” Matt said. “I used to autograph everyone on my team’s shirt!”
Grabbing fundraising by the handlebars
As Matt got older, the Edgington family started looking for new ways to support the T1D community. “We still had a desire to be involved and continue to raise money, so, as a cycling family, our efforts naturally rolled over right into doing Rides,” Matt said.
Breakthrough T1D Ride also felt like something he could stamp as his own way to raise money and awareness for type 1 diabetes after his family had led efforts for so many years. “Riding at the front with the fast riders, and now being a Ride coach, feels like the first contribution that I am making on my own to the organization,” he said.
Ride coaching was a natural evolution for Matt, who now lives in Utah. “It’s the most outdoorsy community I have ever been around, so it felt like a huge opportunity to grow the Ride program here,” he said.
To date, Matt’s parents have done more than 25 Rides. This year will mark Matt’s 15th Ride.
Confidence through cycling
Cycling has given Matt confidence he never imagined. He recently completed a 100-mile mountain bike race in Leadville, CO, and considers that his biggest T1D success. “Training and completing that ride was a huge statement that a person living with type 1 diabetes can do anything.”
But to Matt, now more than 25 years into his T1D journey, there is still no cycling event quite like the Breakthrough T1D Ride. “It’s an inspiration: the people with T1D all on their bikes fighting for the same cause.”
Your story matters
Living with T1D looks different for everyone. We want to hear your story: the highs, the lows, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the people who have supported you on your journey.
Pictured above: Pat McFeeley (number 407) with fellow Rider Teresa Switzer at the 2024 Breakthrough T1D Ride in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone more dedicated to Breakthrough T1D’s mission than Pat McFeeley.
After his twin daughters were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) over 26 years ago at ages 1 ½ and 2 ½, Pat and his wife went all-in on fundraising and awareness-building. Since then, he has seen the direct impact of his efforts.
“The changes have been enormous since my daughters were diagnosed,” he said. “The disease has become far more manageable—it allows them to think about everyday life instead of always thinking about their blood sugar.”
But T1D is still something to manage. And Pat is doing everything he can to change that.
A volunteer and fundraising superstar
Pat has served in a tremendous number of volunteer roles at Breakthrough T1D over the years, including Ride champion, Speaker’s Bureau member, Gala honoree, Gala chair, chapter board member, chapter board president, International Board of Directors member, chancellor, Ride coach, and Walk team captain.
And his dedication doesn’t stop at volunteering.
Pat hosts an annual fundraiser in his backyard that draws hundreds of new supporters each year. He fills multiple tables at his chapter’s Gala every year and has raised millions of dollars through sponsorships and Fund a Cure. His Walk team, the McFeeley Marchers, would often raise over $100,000 in a single year.
He accomplishes this all by aiming high and seeing the ripple effect one dedicated person can create.
“I do a lot of speaking for Breakthrough T1D around the country,” he said. “One of the things that I tell all of my audiences is ‘think big.’ An individual can have an enormous impact.”
Ride: The spirit of the T1D community
For Pat, the spirit and camaraderie at Breakthrough T1D Ride is second to none. “The mission is front and center the whole weekend,” he said. “It’s clear that when we all get on our bikes, it’s to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.”
Recently, Breakthrough T1D’s North Carolina chapter wanted to grow its Ride program participation. Pat answered the call. He led a recruitment campaign in which he donated $250 to every new rider, returning rider, or rider who upgraded their fundraising package.
He also recruited George Hincapie, the most well-known American cyclist and 17-time Tour de France participant, to participate in the 2023 Breakthrough T1D Ride in Amelia Island. His efforts not only increased awareness of the Ride program but also resulted in more participants and more money raised.
Pat will continue to harness the energy of Breakthrough T1D Ride to support our mission of improving the lives of people with T1D until we find cures.
“To me, Ride is a great example of bringing together relationships and experiences and making a difference in the world for people living with T1D all at once,” he said. “I think those are some of the most important things in life.”
Breakthrough T1D 2025 Ride registration is now open!
Register to join us at the Breakthrough T1D Coeur d’Alene Ride September 25-28.
Breakthrough T1D Ride isn’t just about cycling—it’s a movement committed to finding cures for type 1 diabetes (T1D).
No matter where you live, how you choose to ride, or how far you go, you’re surrounded by the T1D community—fellow riders, coaches, friends, and family—cheering you on at every milestone. It’s a fundraising experience like no other.
We’re gearing up for an incredible Breakthrough T1D Ride 2025 season, biking toward a world without T1D. Check out this year’s beautiful destinations!
La Crosse, Wisconsin
August 7-10, 2025
Set against the stunning backdrop of Wisconsin’s bluffs and the mighty Mississippi River, this ride begins in La Crosse and spans three states. Perfect for families and beginners, our La Crosse Ride offers a variety of distance options and breathtaking Midwest views that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
August 21-24, 2025
Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty at our Santa Fe Ride, an unforgettable event that takes you through the heart of New Mexico. With route options up to 100 miles, cyclists of all levels will be captivated by the stunning views of red-rock canyons, high-desert mesas, and the iconic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Perfect weather and dramatic scenery make this a ride that will stay with you long after you’ve crossed the finish line.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
September 11-14, 2025
Discover the scenic charm of New England for our first-ever Cape Cod Ride, an event that offers a blend of flat roads and iconic coastal vistas. With route options extending up to 100 miles, riders of all abilities can enjoy winding through quaint seaside villages, salt marshes, and sandy beaches. Whether you’re captivated by the historic lighthouses or the endless horizon of the Atlantic, this is a Ride that promises unforgettable memories.
*Cape Cod route subject to change.
*Cape Cod Rider packages are sold out. Please keep checking back as more Rider packages may become available. Or, register as a volunteer!
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
September 25-28, 2025
Tucked in the scenic beauty of Northwest Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene Ride showcases lush, forested roads and serene lakes while steering clear of the area’s steep mountain routes. Whether you’re tackling the relatively flat 20-mile ride along Lake Coeur d’Alene or pushing your limits on the demanding 100-mile century route, there’s something for every rider. The Coeur d’Alene Ride is truly a bucket-list experience.
Amelia Island, Florida
December 4-7, 2025
Experience the natural beauty of Northeast Florida on the Amelia Island Ride. Riders will be treated to flat roads draped in Spanish Moss and sweeping ocean views as they explore this stunning destination. With route options ranging up to 100 miles, cyclists of all levels can enjoy scenic rides through pristine beaches, marshlands, and maritime forests. With vistas like these, the Amelia Island Ride is one you won’t want to miss.
My Ride
Your way, your day!
With Breakthrough T1D My Ride, you have the flexibility to join a local ride in your area or create your own mileage and fundraising challenge. You will still receive guidance from coaches and your local Breakthrough T1D chapter to help you reach your goals.
The leadership, staff, and volunteers of Breakthrough T1D mourn the tragic, sudden loss of five type 1 diabetes (T1D) champions on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.
That night, five people who were pillars of the Breakthrough T1D Ride community died in a tragic, single-car accident.
The group included two married couples and one single individual—all very close friends and veteran Breakthrough T1D Ride participants.
All five people were inside the vehicle at the time of the accident—no one was riding a bicycle at the time.
The greatest group of people you wish you didn’t need to know
Understandably, the tragedy sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Ride community, as well as the entire Breakthrough T1D organization.
Chris Eaton, a lead volunteer partner of Breakthrough T1D Ride and the Ride Advisory Council, knew all five people well.
“It’s said, ‘Ride is the greatest group of people you wish you didn’t need to know.’ Our friends embodied that feeling of inclusion, hope, and a steadfast focus on getting to a cure,” said Chris. “They will be sorely missed by their family, friends, and the Ride community.”
Jeff and Michelle Bauer
Jeff and Michelle Bauer were highly involved in Breakthrough T1D Ride—especially Michelle.
“The Breakthrough T1D Ride program is a family, and Michelle exemplified this day in and day out,” said Anthony Geraci, National Director, Ride & Endurance.”
Michelle had been a dedicated T1D advocate since her son, Jesse Alswager, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 at the age of 3. Tragically and unexpectedly, Jesse passed away at the age of 13 on February 3, 2010.
After Jesse passed away, Michelle continued to advocate, educate, and push the envelope in his name. In honor of Jesse, the date he died—and generally all people who have passed away from T1D—Mile 23 of each Breakthrough T1D Ride is ridden in silence.
“Whether it was riding thousands of miles in memory of her late son Jesse, authoring a book to help grieving families, bringing her husband Jeff Bauer into the Ride family, to joining the Ride Advisory Council, Michelle was all in,” added Anthony.
In her spare time, Michelle had numerous other T1D-focused projects, including “Jesse Was Here,” which encompassed her work with other families around the world who had lost loved ones to T1D.
Jeff proposed to Michelle in 2018 at Mile 23 of a Breakthrough T1D Ride.
The couple had a lake house in Crandon, Wisconsin, and spent a lot of time there. They were avid boaters.
Jeff and Michelle are survived by their blended family of five children—Alexander Bauer, Claudia Bauer, Samantha Alswager, Joseph Alswager and Sara Alswager—all of whom are now adults.
Learn more about Jeff and Michelle and how to honor their lives.
“When I mentioned to Michelle off the cuff that I was thinking about completing my first Ironman, she was the first to offer up being my coach and cheerleader. The last text message I got from Michelle was on Wednesday of last week simply saying ‘Did you do it yet??’ That’s how I’ll remember Michelle. Always pushing people to be their best. Always pushing herself to be her best.”
Anthony Geraci
National Director, Breakthrough T1D Ride and Endurance
Josh and Tammy Stahl
Josh and Tammy Stahl became close friends with the Bauers through the Ride program. They rode together most recently in La Crosse last August.
Josh started riding in 2011 for his and Tammy’s son, Gavin (now 17 years old) who lives with T1D. Josh had competed in 13 rides including, Lake Tahoe, La Crosse, and Death Valley.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to talk to Josh and Tammy at rides for over a decade,” said Dan Woolf, Executive Director of Breakthrough T1D’s Wisconsin Chapter who has long been involved with Ride. “Most recently in La Crosse, where we traded stories of our spirit jerseys, kids, and what makes the Ride program special, which are the friends you make along the way.”
Josh and Tammy are survived by their sons Gavin Stahl and Blake Stahl.
Learn more about Josh and Tammy and how to honor their lives.
“The Stahls were the perfect example of that incredible spirit.They became close friends with so many people from all over the country while making such a difference for our Ride community, which is truly inspiring to me. It’s something that I’ll never forget and a testament to what wonderful people they were.”
Dan Woolf
Executive Director, Breakthrough T1D Wisconsin Chapter
Barry Sievers
Barry’s first Ride was 10 years ago. He had completed five rides including La Crosse, Nashville, and Loveland.
While he had no direct T1D connection, he was always willing to help with a smile. He hosted training rides at his house and even helped transport bikes with his trailer.
“Barry’s infectious smile and boundless energy embodied our Team Wisconsin spirit,” wrote Joe Brady and Scott Hagen in a statement they issued together.
Joe lives with T1D and is a veteran Ride coach. Scott is Barry’s best friend who recruited him for his first ride a decade ago.
Barry was the Senior Financial Manager for the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at the University of Wisconsin—Madison.
Barry is survived by his adult son, David T. Sievers, and two school-age daughters, Emma Sievers and Addison Sievers.
Learn more about Barry and how to honor his life.
“Whether opening his home for summer training rides, spinning tales on the team bus to Nashville, or cheering on the last rider at the Loveland finish line, Barry brought joy and camaraderie to every moment. Always ready with a solution to any bike issue, his ‘can do’ attitude inspired us all to push harder, fundraise better, and pedal faster toward our goals. Barry’s good-natured warmth and easy laughter will forever be cherished and missed.”
Statement from Joe Brady and Scott Hagen
Against many headwinds
“Greg Lemond, winner of the Tour de France, once said about cycling: ‘It doesn’t get easier, you just go faster,’” said Chris Eaton.
“Against many headwinds, this group of friends led a community that embodies the imperative that we can, and will, cure type 1 diabetes despite the challenges. They will be missed.”
13-year-old Drew Salaki first joined Breakthrough T1D Ride as a volunteer in Saratoga Springs, NY, in 2022. The event inspired him to participate the following year as a rider. “I saw that it was an amazing environment with people just like me,” he said.
Drew went all-in on Breakthrough T1D Ride this year in Burlington, VT, riding the “metric century” distance of 63 miles! “I felt so accomplished and happy when I finished,” he said.
But at Breakthrough T1D Ride, you’re never alone, and Drew is grateful for the friendship of his fellow Riders. One person in particular made an impact on him: “I want to give a special shoutout to Tom Clawson, who rode with me most of the way and never gave up on me.”
Taking a Team Approach
Drew was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the COVID-19 pandemic. He admits to being nervous at first because of all the unknowns. That apprehension quickly faded, thanks to his incredibly supportive family. “We got through it as a team,” his mom Cara said. “He was never alone in his diagnosis.”
Today, Drew is managing his T1D like a champ. “I feel a lot safer and secure because I know what I’m doing,” he said.
Betting on Research
Shortly after Drew’s diagnosis, he was enrolled in the PROTECT clinical trial, which investigated whether the disease-modifying therapy Tzield slowed the loss of beta cells and preserved beta cell function in newly diagnosed children and adolescents. Because it was during the pandemic, the Salaki family was able to uproot and replant themselves at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia while continuing to work and attend school virtually.
“In our family, research wins,” Cara said. “We can’t advocate enough for what could be, thanks to the scientific world of clinical trials and the genius staff of doctors and nurses.”
A New Support Community
In Breakthrough T1D Ride, the Salaki family found a whole new community of support. “Their encouragement of Drew and our family has been nothing short of incredible,” Cara said.
Drew’s fellow riders also imparted wisdom that has helped give him a more positive approach to T1D. “You are not going to have a perfect blood sugar every day,” he said. “But we learn from our mistakes to help us in the future.”
Drew encourages more kids his age to join Ride: “Even if you can’t ride too many miles, it’s about the experience and the fun with everyone around you!”
Join the Breakthrough T1D Ride community
Felix Navarro was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) 37 years ago when he was a 13-year-old living in Puerto Rico.
He started bike riding in 2017 to lose weight and improve his health.
After completing his first charity bike ride for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, he was inspired. “It made me think about what it would be like to ride for Breakthrough T1D, a charity near and dear to me.”
Felix’s first Breakthrough T1D Ride was in Amelia Island, FL, and he surprised himself by completing the full 100 miles. “It was challenging but so rewarding,” he said.
A Breakthrough T1D Ride to Remember
Felix’s most memorable Ride was in 2019—the year he started riding with his son, Felix Jr.
Felix Jr. has cerebral palsy, so he rides an adaptive bike attached to the front of his dad’s bike. Felix trains for four months before each Ride, using a homemade wagon he built to practice pulling his son with his bike.
Having an extra person with him is challenging at times, but Felix wouldn’t have it any other way. “To see his smile as he rides along with me makes it worth it,” he said.
Their determination earned them the Breakthrough T1D Spirit Jersey that year. This jersey is presented to the individual who personifies the spirit of Ride—not just on Ride Day but throughout the entire journey.
“My life has improved so much”
Being a Breakthrough T1D Rider helped Felix achieve his goal of improved physical health. But it also came with some unexpected benefits. “I feel more comfortable with my condition now, knowing that I’m not the only one struggling with this disease,” he said. “My life has improved so much. I have made so many new friends who understand what I’m going through.”
Learn more about Breakthrough T1D Ride and how you can join the Ride family.
Above: Julie and Dick Roettker at the 2022 Breakthrough T1D Ride in Grand Rapids, MI
Over the past 25 years, bike riders from around the world have pedaled thousands of miles and raised over $60 million for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. And it all started back in 1997 with 17 volunteers from Cincinnati, OH—known as the JDF Victory Team—looking for a new way to make a big impact on fundraising for (what was then known as) JDF.
The JDF Victory Team rode a cumulative 1,700 miles by moonlight in Death Valley, CA. They raised $70,000, paving the way for what we know today as the Breakthrough T1D Ride Program. The very next year, in 1998, Breakthrough T1D launched the first official Ride in Death Valley.
The Early Ride Years
Dick and Julie at the 2000 Breakthrough T1D Ride in Death Valley
The Roettkers have been Breakthrough T1D Ride participants since the beginning.
Dick, diagnosed with T1D in 1972, took part in his first Ride in Death Valley, CA, in 1998. “I had been cycling for 10 years at that point and felt that a 100-mile ride in Death Valley was a formidable but doable challenge for me,” he said. “I was turning 40 that year and Ride inspired me to take my support of Breakthrough T1D to the next level.”
Julie, Dick’s wife, joined Ride the following year after hearing her husband tell “such great stories of how impactful the weekend was.”
The Breakthrough T1D Ride program was quite different back then. To start, there were less than 100 Riders at each event (compared to today’s average of 300-600 participants at each location). “Often you were riding solo for many miles,” Julie recalled.
The early Rides were also “pretty basic,” according to the Roettkers. “Although there were rest stops at the start and finish lines, it was sparse by today’s standards, which has much more fanfare, plus safety and medical support,” Dick said.
The Most Memorable Ride
Mike Bender and Dick at the 2017 Breakthrough T1D Ride in Loveland, CO
Dick’s most memorable Ride was in Loveland, CO, in 2017. His friend and fellow Breakthrough T1D Rider, Mike Bender, received a brain cancer diagnosis the year before and his doctors wouldn’t allow him to ride a bike by himself. “I decided to ride my tandem bike with Mike, who rode for years in honor of his son Matthew, who had T1D since he was 17 years old,” Dick said.
Mike and Dick had six short weeks to train together. At the starting line, a pack of their Ride friends surrounded them and then rode alongside them for the entire 100 miles. Mike’s son, Matthew, was waiting at the finish line, a surprise planned by Mike’s wife and Dick. “Knowing what an emotional moment it would be for everyone, myself included, made it hard to pedal that last mile with tears in my eyes,” Dick said.
Why We Ride
“It’s not about the miles, it’s about the mission.”
Dick and Julie approaching the finish line together at the 2017 Breakthrough T1D Ride in Saratoga Springs, NY
Dick personally experiences the impact of his fundraising. “At my first Breakthrough T1D Ride in 1998, I was taking a daily shot of NPH insulin and monitoring my blood glucose with 8-10 finger checks each day,” he said. He has been on a closed-loop system since 2017. “If not for these advances achieved through research funded by Breakthrough T1D, I may not be alive today.”
Julie rides for her husband, and for everyone she has met along the way the past 20+ years. “While I don’t have T1D, I’m grateful to Breakthrough T1D for their role in all of the changes in diabetes management since my first Ride,” she said.
Julie also coached for the Breakthrough T1D Ride program from 2010 through 2015. Since 2018, she has traveled to two Rides per year to help with coordinating and managing all the on-site volunteers.
This year, Dick will complete his 32nd Ride and Julie will complete her 27th. In total, the Roettkers have logged nearly 6,000 miles combined for Breakthrough T1D, but they’re not counting. “It’s about the smiles, not the miles,” Julie said.
Dick agrees. “It’s not about the miles, it’s about the mission.”
This year, the Breakthrough T1D Ride will return to Death Valley on January 18-21 to celebrate these humble beginnings. Continue the legacy with us at ride.jdrf.org/deathvalley!
