Ada Launches Tour De Cure 2008 Campaign For Central And South Texas Area

Nov. 16, 2007 - PRLog -- The Central and South Texas Area of the American Diabetes Association is challenging local cyclists to dig deep within themselves and un-tap the determination, strength and courage it takes to participate in the 2008 Tour de Cure®. This annual cycling event will help raise money to fight diabetes, the nation’s fifth leading cause of death by disease. With the campaign officially launched, ADA volunteers, organizers and staff members have began planning routes and activities for participating cyclists.

Approximately 1500 cyclists from around the region are expected to participate in the Central and South Texas Tour that will be held on May 17-18, 2008. Cyclists will have the option of a 15-mile fun ride for beginners or one of the more challenging 50 or 80 mile tours, which will start in San Antonio. A light brunch will be provided at the San Marcos first day finish line. On the second day, the tour will begin at Texas State University. Cyclists will have the options of 25, 55 and 80 mile routes. The riders will finish in South Austin at Akins High School. The Central and South Texas cyclists will join more than 30,000 other cyclists and volunteers at more than 80 sites throughout the nation this spring.

A special Rider Rally has been planned in March to prepare cyclists for the upcoming event. This rally will be an open mixer where cyclists can mingle with other riders, volunteers and staff. In addition to the rally, cyclist volunteers will provide bicycle training clinics in the upcoming months to prepare participants for the ride. These volunteers are all experienced riders within the Central and South Texas area. The ADA hopes that experienced and beginner riders will unite to “ride for the cure”.

Local corporations are encouraged to donate funds by creating cycling teams. Each team will compete for the most donations made by group. Along with corporate or group funding, donations are welcomed from individuals and/or individuals sponsored by family and friends. The monetary goal for the 2008 Tour de Cure is over a half of million dollars to help fight this serious disease.

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce or respond properly to insulin, a hormone that allows blood sugar to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. A third of the 20.9 million people who have diabetes don’t even know it. Untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, foot or leg amputations and even death. Fundraising events, like Tour de Cure, have led to significant advancements in diabetes research which may help to prevent this disease that takes approximately 225,000 lives each year. At this rate, ongoing participation in fighting this cause can help us save 616 lives each day.

The American Diabetes Association challenges all local cyclists and volunteers to join in the 2008 Tour de Cure to help raise money for diabetes research. Founded in 1940, the ADA is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. The American Diabetes Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to more than 800 communities. If you would like to register for the Tour de Cure, please visit www.diabetes.org/tour and click Austin.

To obtain more information about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association website at www.diabetes.org.

Website: www.diabetes.org/tour