Joining ‘Ride To Cure Juvenile Diabetes’
Father and daughter have already raised over $20,000 for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Lauren and Ron Rapaport of Potomac are headed to Burlington, Vt. for the ride of their lives — a ride to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). They are both driven by the goal of raising funds for research for juvenile diabetes — a disease which has affected Lauren Rapaport’s life since she was three years old.
On July 30, they will be biking 100 miles through the verdant valleys and hills around Lake Champlain as a part of the “Ride to Cure JDRF.” Neither had ridden a bike for at least 15 to 20 years — making the ride a very challenging effort.
Now age 35, Lauren Rapaport has learned through the years how to regulate insulin and her blood sugar. Technology, the insulin pump, and the Continuous Glucose Monitor have made it easier, but it is still a 24/7 disease — a disease you don’t outgrow. She must carefully balance her food intake with her exercise to regulate her blood sugar levels. Riding 100 miles is extremely challenging — and her health issues make it even more difficult.
JDRF is sponsoring five rides throughout the U.S. this year. They are being held in Burlington, Vt., Lake Tahoe, Calif., Death Valley, Calif., Lacrosse, Wisc. and Tucson, Ariz. The Rapaports and the D.C. team chose the ride in Burlington, Vt. because of the proximity. A team of 15 riders from the D.C. area will ride to raise money for research to cure this lifelong disease.
Ron Rapaport describes his first ride in 20 years: “It was really slow and painful. We bought brand new bikes and have had them fitted to us. But it still bothered my joints, especially after we rode 32 miles up to Sugarloaf Mountain and back. However, the pain and discomfort are worth it. I am committed because this ride is a great chance to raise money for JDRF and — more importantly — to spend time with my daughter.”
And raise money they did. Ron Rapaport said, “We started out hoping to raise $5,000. We are overwhelmed by the response. Our friends, family and my colleagues from the company I retired from two years ago, Rockwood Specialties, have been extremely generous and supportive — and thus we have collected over $15,000. On her own, Lauren has raised over $5,000. The words of encouragement and the financial support have been far beyond my wildest dreams.”
Lauren’s mom, Barbara Rapaport, has chaired many of JDRF events, including the Gala and the Holiday Gift Wrap Drive. “JDRF has done a wonderful job of raising money for research and to find a cure, and in lobbying the federal government for more money to be spent on diabetes. Researchers are trying to find a biological cure as well as a mechanical cure. JDRF is really a grass-roots organization that has been powered by the passion of the parents. All of us are hoping and praying for a cure.”
She is excited about the race and will be at the starting gate when they take off and at the finish line waiting for them to return.
To support Ron and Lauren Rapaport and JDRF, go to the website www.jdrf.org. Information on joining the bike ride or making a donation is listed on the website. The two riders are hoping to finish 100 miles — and to raise as many funds as possible to help in the search for a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.
