On November 22, riders in support of the Breakthrough T1D Metro Detroit/Southeast Michigan Chapter Ride to Cure Diabetes will be picking up the pace and packing on the miles to turn type one into type NONE. They will journey more than 2,000 miles to cycle in the 32nd UMC el Tour de Tucson in Tucson, Ariz.

The riders supporting the chapter include six Ford Ride Team members – with team leader Stuart Rowley, Vice President and Controller for Ford Motor Company and David G. Leitch, Group Vice President and General Counsel for Ford Motor Company – and the Metro Detroit/Southeast Michigan Chapter’s own Executive Director Kate Durak, who all will be sharing the course with more than 9,000 cyclists, and in front of more than 27,000 spectators.

Known as the most prestigious bicycling event for cyclists of all ages and abilities, at the Tour de Tucson Stuart and David will complete the 111-mile course, and Kate will take on a “Metric Century,” approximately 62 miles.

“It’s great to see technology and medicine advance,” said Stuart.

Stuart is the Champion for the 2014 Ford Motor Company World Headquarters Breakthrough T1D Campaign, a position he gladly accepted, having witnessed his brother-in-law and nephew cope with the challenges of living with type one diabetes every day and having participated in Breakthrough T1D events around the world.

Stuart is an avid cyclist and immediately knew the Ride to Cure Diabetes was a good option for him to show his support and raise important funds in the search for a treatment or cure for diabetes.

“My brother-in-law was diagnosed with type one diabetes about 25 years ago, since then, and since his son’s diagnosis 8 years ago, I have seen the support available to them greatly improve. I admire them for not letting type one negatively affect their lives. It’s great to see technology and medicine advance, so that diabetes can become less intrusive in their lives,” said Stuart.

Kate shares many of his sentiments, “While I don’t have T1D, I know hundreds of people who live with, love or care for someone facing the daily challenges of the disease. All of these people inspire me with their determination, living their lives to the fullest despite the difficulties. This ride is definitely a challenge for me, but if my participation and fundraising can make their lives easier and build hope for a cure, count me in!”

Leading into the Tucson Ride, the Ford Ride Team has raised more than $21,800, and Kate has raised more than $8,000. Metro Detroit riders participating in all of the Ride events have raised more than $39,200. For more information about how you can participate or donate, visit ride.jdrf.org.