Tyler Clark was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of three. Now he is on a mission, ten years later, to raise money and awareness by participating in the 12-mile cycling event, Tour de Cure, on June 9.
Tyler is an active 8th grader at Olentangy Orange, but he understands the importance of regular exercise, eating a low-fat diet, and carefully monitoring his glucose levels. He has been participating in the American Diabetes Association cycling event for the past seven years as a member of the Red Riders team.
More than twenty-six million Americans have diabetes, a chronic disease caused by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. By the time diabetes is diagnosed, heart and circulatory damage may have already begun in the body.
The Tour de Cure is enjoying its twenty-first run, and is expected to draw more than 55,000 cyclists around the country, who will be joined by family members affected by diabetes in the hope of raising awareness and funds to search for a cure through outreach and education.
The ADA fundraising event on June 9 at Westerville Central High School will involve more than 500 riders and will offer entertainment and a lunch until 3 p.m.
