Registration!

I wanted to register for the JDRF Ride to Cure right away, as soon as registrations opened, but I wasn't able to.  And I'm weird in the way that certain things I like to plan for certain dates so that I can remember them.  As Ellee's birthday and her diagnosis anniversary drew near, I thought about it.  I wanted to register on her anniversary date!  In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter... but for me, it's sentimental!  

Three years ago we went from a care free life of raising two healthy kids to facing the fact that Ellee would have to have multiple daily injections for the rest of her life.  The part that tears my guts apart is the thought that there is no cure for this.  But the more research I've done on the disease and with the JDRF, I now have hope that one day there WILL be a cure!  It won't be a pretty cure, transplants of any kind never are, but it's a sliver of hope in this grim outlook.

The only way to truly cure this is to some how replace the cells that make insulin, so it's not like treatments for most other diseases.  The possibilities are there, though.  Organ transplants have always been an option, but not always as successful.  A month after Ellee was diagnosed I read about Islet Cell Transplants and I was delighted!  Instead of a whole organ, they were just injecting the cells that make insulin!  I like this idea better for many reasons!  I then found a lady's blog who lives up in Toledo that had this and so far, so good!  I was even more delighted to find out my cousin's husband is actively working on this project!

JDRF is vested in many aspects of T1D.  From possible cures, to improving insulin and treatments, to even prevention!  I like the idea of prevention - if this is something that isn't easily cured, then prevent it!  If I had to give one reason why some one who has no idea what Type 1 Diabetes is so why should they contribute to the JDRF, it is so that they may continue to never know!  I don't wish this disease upon anyone and would some day love to see reports where every year the number of diagnosis goes down, not up.

This is why I ride!  This is why I'm taking on the challenge of a 100 mile bicycle ride and raising a large amount of money to be able to participate!  Not only would I like to see Ellee be able to live care free again, but so that no other child should have to go through this!  

I am now registered and will be doing a 100 mile bicycle ride through "Three States, Two Bridges, and One Mighty River!"  I can't wait!!!