Tour de Cure Event Day 2020 – Diana’s Story

The Tour de Cure Lake Nona event 2020 will be remembered for its atypical approach. In Spring 2020, our world turned upside down due to Coronavirus. People living with diabetes are at greater risk for complications from COVID-19 (coronavirus) and we continue to advocate and ensure they have the resources they need. Please visit the ADA’s COVID-19 HUB for the latest information and resources: diabetes.org/coronavirus.

The ADA Leaders make the difficult decision to postpone the March event. There were too many unknowns and the safety of the volunteers, riders, walkers, and runners were paramount. A new date was selected and a new approach introduced – a virtual event.

Let me tell you how this virtual event went. The wonderful ADA Leaders used social media to generate interest. And on the big day, June 13, 2020, they hosted a virtual start at 8 am. With Lake Nona virtual tour Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/tdcorlando, and #VirtualTourdeCure2020, all participants could keep in touch.

My day started very differently for this year’s ride. Normally I get up early, 5 am and am at the event site super early to help get things set up at our tent. This year I just rode. The morning greeted me with a beautiful double rainbow outside my door. The symbol of hope on this particular morning was not lost on me. It fit perfectly with what the ADA strives to provide those who suffer from diabetes – Hope, and determination to find a cure for this disease.

I joined a few team members at the Lake Nona Town Center to start our ride. This year was social distancing throughout the ride. No line-up, no pulling, no SAG stops, no volunteers to cheer us on. If you have followed our group in their yearly rides, you know we rotate like clockwork throughout the ride. Not this year. However, the cool thing this year was social media. TeamOne participants used Facebook live and Twitter to let everyone know their progress. Their commitment did not waiver.

A big difference this time, besides just being virtual… The Heat & Humidity. Florida is known for both. Well, the difference from March to mid-June is significant. And by significant, I mean Monumental. For me, the heat combined with humidity was not good. I had finished 24 oz of water by mile 10. Twice the intake that I normally need for that distance – whew!

I am happy to report TeamOne participants finished safe and sound. Even though there was no red carpet, banner, or cheering crowd, finishing the ride today was fulfilling. The support of friends, family, and donors help all of us in this fight against diabetes and the dream to find a cure. Thank you all! 2020 Tour de Cure Lake Nona was a success!!

You did an amazing job helping me raise over $1,000 for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) this year. My Team’s success did not falter this year. Even though we did not reach our target, we still managed to collect an impressive amount in donations, especially given the impact of world circumstances on so many.

I am so honored to ride on behalf of:

Bertha Styles (Charmaine’s Nana), Keith Buchanan (Charmaine’s Brother), Cathy’s Dad, Charles Lancaster, Sam B., Taylor, Mr. A, Xavier Gomez
In loving memory of Charles’ parents