Tour De Cure - Diabetes ride in Georgia

[Melody]

I think it's awesome you two are doing the ride. I'm not in Georgia, so I'm not doing this ride, but this is a subject that's also near and dear to me because I'm diabetic.

I was first diagnosed when I was 19 or so and they estimate that I was diabetic for years, but not detected. Because of the diabetes, I have severe hypertension, kidney and liver issues, and both retinopathy and neuropathy. The kidney function was so bad, in fact, that when I was first diagnosed and additional tests run, three doctors didn't think I'd see 25.

I'm now 32.

But I nearly didn't make it. Do to the diabetes and the severe hypertension, before my 28th birthday, I had a stroke. My blood pressure at the time was 253/163. Needless to say, my doctors are all surprised I survived.

So, a sincere THANK YOU to everyone who does these charity rides.

Mel

PS: Leslie, sent you a donation to help make your pledge. Have fun on the ride.