The Mission Hits Close to Home
The following was part of a presentation at the American Diabetes Association Mountain Region meeting in Phoenix, AZ on April 20, 2016. My story was edited and included with encouraging and inspirational stories American Diabetes Association staff from the Mountain Region. They were: Lynda Jimenez (Phoenix ADA), Beverly Bartel (Montana ADA), Anne Dennis (Phoenix ADA), Hannah Hoogenboom (Denver ADA), Julie Garcia (Phoenix ADA), Kirsten Weatherford (Montana ADA) and Kaylee Gronau (Phoenix ADA) and myself. All of us either have Type 1 diabetes or have family members who do.
I believe my first real connection with the ADA was a journey from Seattle, WA to Glacier National Park (Montana) for a backpacking excursion to the Granite Park Chalet. We actually celebrated Christmas on August 25
th
while at
the Chalet. This was the last 25
th
on the calendar before they closed for the season.
The Glacier National Park trip might have been the spark I needed to make an entry into the world of adventure and seeking new challenges. Another tie in with the ADA was the BBAD (Border-to-Border-Against- Diabetes) Tour. A group ride from the Utah/Arizona border to the Utah/Idaho border. 4 of the 5 riders were T1’s. The trip was organized to finish the day before the ADA EXPO Salt Lake City where we were involved/featured.
Hannah Hoogenboom’s uncle Peter was on the tour!
I have also been involved with the ADA being the beneficiary in past events. Two ocean swim events benefiting the ADA in Alaska (10k/5k) made for some interesting experience in event planning! So glad and fortunate to be working with the American Diabetes Association and to have such wonderful people helping me out and inspiring participants in our events.
Note: I am the Market Manager for the Tucson ADA