February 12, 2008

A Letter From Barbara:

Greetings!

I can’t believe it…In just one month, I'll be flying down to San Diego, California where I will join a group of women over age 50 to ride our bikes over 3,000 miles across the country to St. Augustine, Florida. What an adventure!

I'm hoping that you can be part of my ride by making a donation toward the organization that I'll be fundraising for – TCOYD, or Taking Control of Your Diabetes. I've set a lofty goal of $10,000 but with the cooperation of many people with gifts large or small I will reach it!

Many of you know my daughter Heather was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1997. On the 11th anniversary of her diagnosis date, I begin my ride in support of an organization that has helped her, and thousands of other people affected by diabetes, to live a healthier, more positive and hopeful life! TCOYD hosts conferences around the country that educate and inspire. Their sphere of influence has expanded through quarterly newsletters, a book, Taking Control of Your Diabetes, and now TCOYD-TV. As I write to you, the TCOYD staff is finishing up a TV spot on diabetes and pregnancy. Having seen Heather carefully navigate two pregnancies (with three healthy and beautiful outcomes!), I know the importance of vigilance during pregnancy complicated by diabetes.

Heather is not alone. There are over 21 million Americans living with diabetes, and there is currently no cure. Until there is, grass-roots organizations such as TCOYD – whose founder is an endocrinologist who also has type 1 diabetes – are essential to spreading the words of hope and the message of empowerment!

There are 3 ways to contribute:
1. If you would like to make a donation online, please write, "Barbara's bike ride" in the comments box on the Donation Page. (From the home page just select "Giving" )
2. Send a donation by mail to TCOYD at 1110 Camino del Mar, Suite B, Del Mar, CA 92014; indicate "Barbara's bike ride" on you donation; or,
3. Send a check made out to TCOYD to my address 1551 Wind Mountain Road, Home Valley, WA 98648. Tom will be glad to forward these to TCOYD.

If you want to track the progress of our cross country trip you can find it on the TCOYD website.

Thanks to you all for your support - emotional, logistical, and financial! I just a few weeks ago decided to commit to the ride following my October 22nd bike accident which left me with a fractured pelvis, and I'm quite busy training and preparing for this Big Adventure!

Warm and healthy wishes to you all,

Barbara Selstad

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