Meet the Burlington Beauties – JDRF’s all-women (and all amazing) Ride to Cure Diabetes Team

Kimberly Young – First JDRF Ride

What’s your connection to type one?
I was diagnosed with Type 1 at the age of 4.  Twenty eight years later I am still going strong.  Diabetes was my worst enemy for many years, and I did everything I could to ignore it with hopes that it would just disappear.  But it won’t.  Now, I use it to make me a stronger person and use all my energy to fight this disease, fight for awareness, and fight for a cure.

Why did you decide to ride for JDRF?
My partner took part in the Ride to Cure last year in Nashville in my honor.  I was so moved and experienced my own “goose bump” moments just watching the riders.  When she crossed the finish line last year I gave her a hug and said…”Next year, it’s you and me…together.”  We are now making that happen.

How many years (roughly) have you been riding?
Two

What are you most looking forward to about the Ride to Cure Diabetes?
Crossing the finish line and at that moment telling Type 1…”We are in control now”!

What’s your favorite post-ride treat/snack/meal?
Almond milk, banana, peanut butter, and chocolate protein powder smoothie

If you could Ride anywhere other than Burlington, where would it be?
Our next stop has got to be Lake Tahoe!

 

Sandy Reedy – First JDRF Ride

What’s your connection to type one (in your own words)?
I have a couple friends that have a family member with Type One Diabetes. A cycling friend of mine said she’d like to do a  JDRF ride to support the cause and go to a great destination, so I wanted to join her.

Why did you decide to ride for JDRF?
A cycling friend of mine said she’d like to do a  JDRF ride to support the cause and go to a great destination, so I wanted to join her.

How many years (roughly) have you been riding?
This is my tenth year of road riding for events.

What are you most looking forward to about the Ride to Cure Diabetes?
I’m really looking forward to event day in Burlington Vermont, riding with cyclists from all over the country for 100-miles.

What’s your favorite post-ride treat/snack/meal?
 My favorite post-ride treat is chocolate milk.

If you could Ride anywhere other than Burlington, where would it be?
If I could ride anywhere other than Burlington, it would be in the Seattle area. I’ve never been there and would like to visit Vancouver while in the area.

 Anne Dodd – Second JDRF Ride

What’s your connection to type one (in your own words)?
My parter has had Type One for 28 years.

Why did you decide to ride for JDRF?
I participated in my first JDRF ride last year.  The ride has been an important part of our journey with T1D both as a couple and individually.  T1D is a disease that affects not only the individual, but the loved ones around.   It was something I could do to help raise awareness and be a part of turning Type One into Type None.  It was important for me to show Kimberly that she was not in this alone.  This year, we will ride the 100 miles together.  We are taking this disease on stronger than ever.  Roll on T1D….Roll on.

How many years (roughly) have you been riding?
Two years.

What are you most looking forward to about the Ride to Cure Diabetes?
Crossing the finish line together.

What’s your favorite post-ride treat/snack/meal?
 An ice cold Sweetwater IPA.

If you could Ride anywhere other than Burlington, where would it be?
Lake Tahoe

Diane Borchers – First JDRF Ride

What’s your connection to type one (in your own words)?
My husband, David, became a Type I diabetic at age 23 and one of my daughter’s best friends was diagnosed at 9 years old.  Also, my husband passed away from pancreatic cancer and there may be a correlation.

Why did you decide to ride for JDRF?
I decided to ride to support such a great cause and I wanted to ride in Vermont!

How many years (roughly) have you been riding?
Two years.

What are you most looking forward to about the Ride to Cure Diabetes?
I am most looking forward to riding in Vermont and passing over the 100 mile mark.

What’s your favorite post-ride treat/snack/meal?
A beer and anything that goes with it.

If you could Ride anywhere other than Burlington, where would it be?
I would love to ride through Tuscany.

Stay tuned for Mary DeWree’s bio!