September was an incredible month for Breakthrough T1D and the Ford Motor Company Ride Team!  Nineteen cyclists representing the Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan Chapter – each rode 72 miles around Lake Tahoe in the Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure Diabetes.  This weekend-long charitable cycling event raised over $600,000 to support Breakthrough T1D’s mission: to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications through the support of research.

The Ford Ride Team was part of the 135 riders who participated in the fun-filled weekend that included cycling seminars, planned excursions, and connecting with Breakthrough T1D supporters from across the nation before the big event on Sunday, September 11th – Ride Day!

The riders had a lot to celebrate!  The weather could not have been better: 70’s and sunny and the deep blue of Lake Tahoe served as the perfect backdrop as everyone completed the challenging course. One Ford rider, Jodi M., was awarded the coveted red polka dot spirit jersey for exemplifying the spirit of the Breakthrough T1D Ride program throughout the weekend and for her determination on crossing the finish line for all of those affected by T1D.  The local Ford Ride Team is on track to raise more than $52,000 for T1D research!

Ford Motor Company Vice President of Strategy, Stuart Rowley is the team’s Champion as well as the Champion for the 2016 Ford World Headquarters Breakthrough T1D Campaign.  This is the third year Ford Motor Company has supported the Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure Diabetes program and we are truly grateful for the incredible partnership!

The Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure Diabetes has raised $30 million for research to deliver life-changing therapies, and one day, a cure for T1D.  To participate, riders commit to raising a minimum dollar amount and, in exchange, Breakthrough T1D provides each cyclist with fundraising support and coaching in the months leading up to and throughout the Ride weekend. To learn more about the Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure Diabetes or to join us at one of our remaining locations this year, please visit ride.jdrf.org or contact Randall Hutchinson at rhutchinson@BreakthroughT1D.org.