The Chester River Health cycling team that rode in the American Diabetes Association’s “Chesapeake Tour de Cure” racked up a total of 850 miles and raised more than $10,000 to fight diabetes, a disease now affecting more than 25 million people in the U.S.
The team, organized by two nurses at Chester River Hospital Center, raised more money than any other corporate team participating in the May 18 event. A total of 750 riders from all over Maryland and several other states rode the Talbot County courses to raise a grand total of $269,170 for diabetes research, education and advocacy. Each rider was required to raise a minimum of $200 to enter the Chesapeake Tour de Cure, one of nearly 100 Tours throughout the United States this year.
According to Chester River Health team organizer, Diabetes Educator Chrissy Nelson, RN, three teammates rode 10 miles, 13 pedaled 25 miles, and nine completed the 55-mile course despite the onset of rain later in the ride. Five were “ghost riders,” working as volunteers at rest stops and cheering the cyclists on as they filled water bottles and picked up fresh fruit and energy bars. Five other teammates were unable to ride because of illness or conflicts with their work schedules.
“Some of us 55-milers got very wet,” Nelson recalls, “but we still had a good time. We’re not sure of the grand total yet, since donations are still coming in, but we know we surpassed our $10,000 goal by more than $300.”
Along with Nelson, 55-milers on the Chester River team included CRH staffers Scott Burleson, Executive Vice President; Lori Bunts, RN, Surgical Prep; Steven Jacobsen, RN, Emergency Department; and Louise Dove, RN, Same Day Surgery/PACU. Dove was part of a three-generation family represented on the Tour — her daughter, Roxanne, a switchboard operator for Chester River, worked at the Oxford rest stop while her grandson, Dylan, rang a small cowbell for riders who steered their way into the stop for a few minutes’ rest.
Also in the CRH 55-mile group were Margie Elsberg, Board Chair for the Chester River Health Foundation; and John Beskid, who works for Kent County, his wife, Judy and their daughter, Alyssa.
The team also included nurses, medical technicians and employees from many departments, including cardiac rehab, laboratory services, surgical services, and emergency. According to Nelson, several participated because they have diabetes or have family members who have the disease.
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, about 11 per cent of Kent County residents have diabetes, slightly higher than the state-wide incidence of the disease, which is nine percent.
Says Chester River team member Carolyn Spray, RNC, “I was diagnosed with diabetes over two and a half years ago. I also have a granddaughter who was diagnosed when she was a 17-year old high school senior.”
Unable to ride but a talented dessert maker, Spray was a great support for the team’s advance fundraising, supplying treats for bake sales. And like last year, she also assisted during the race. “This year, at the rest stop in Oxford, I saw some of the riders from last year—it was great to see them come back and support the Tour de Cure again,” she comments.
Lori Bunts rode 30 of her 55 miles in the rain, but she had no complaints about the day, as she recalls, “I had a great ride! I enjoyed being with friends, meeting new people, and all for a great cause. I can’t wait to do this again.”
Joe Irr says
Three cheers for those from Chester River Health, and others, who rode in the Chesapeake Tour de Cure for the American Diabetes Association program supporting Diabetes Research.
Now mark August 10, 2013 and join the Galena Lions Ride To See. Considerable portions of the funds raised go to support Vision research programs at Johns Hopkins Medical School. Funds also support vision screening in Kent County schools and some support expenses related to treatment of vision problems among the populace on Kent County. You can support these efforts and have another enjoyable ride right here in Kent County. Visit our website ridetosee.org to register. Or just appear with your bikes at Galena Elementary School on August 10 anytime after 6:00 AM.
Thanks for riding with your neighbors and friends of Kent county.
Contact me if you have questions.
Joe Irr
410-648-6958 or try me on email or even Facebook
Joe Irr says
my email address is: [email protected]