Friends, family support those with diabetes at Geneva's Tour de Cure

GENEVA—The American Diabetes Association hosted the Grand Geneva Tour de Cure 2009 for the second year at Peck Farm Park on Sunday, June 7. Despite the rain, members of the Chicagoland community turned out to support the ADA’s mission to prevent and cure the disease.

Kenya Harris of the ADA said that about 300 people had registered to pedal 25, 60 or 100K for the event. Participants were invited to register either as individuals or on teams for the race with the ultimate goal of providing funds for diabetes research. This year marked the first time that the race would feature Red Riders, participants affected by diabetes sporting red jerseys.

In addition, friends and family of those with diabetes were encouraged to ride in the event. Emma Anderson of Bartlett, along with her friend Kinsley Donahue, rode tandem in the 60K to support a family member.

“I’m riding for my sister who got diabetes last Labor Day,” Anderson said.

At the time of diagnosis, the now-8-year-old had to be hospitalized.

“She’s doing better now,” Anderson said.

In the same bracket was Chris Haworth of La Grange, who teamed up with his sister to ride in memory of a loved one.

“Our grandmother had diabetes,” Haworth said. “She passed away three years ago.”

Haworth, who found out about the event by searching for cycling events online, had no problem raising support.

“My coworkers and family members have been extremely generous,” he said.

Anderson, Haworth and their relatives are far from alone when it comes to battling diabetes. The disease currently affects 26.3 million people, 800,000 of whom reside in the northern Illinois and northern Indiana regions, according to the American Diabetes Association.

In Kane County, Delnor Community Hospital serves the community through its Center for Diabetes Management.

Vicky Miller of Delnor’s Diabetes Education program represented the hospital at the Tour de Cure under one of the red sponsor tents. She vouched for the presence of diabetes in the area.

“Type II [diabetes] is on the rise," she said. "It’s more Type II that we’re seeing."

Currently, there is no cure for diabetes. However, between this year’s Tour de Cure and Bike the Drive -- another recent event -- Harris said the ADA hoped to raise $172,000 for research.

Various Tour de Cure events are held in 40 states nationwide.