American Diabetes Association

Special Section: Combined Federal Campaign 2009

The Blue Suit Pacers are Helping the ADA Find a Cure…One Mile at a Time

By Marianne B. Patterson
Hampton Roads Tour de Cure Director, ADA

A team of about 30 military personnel and government workers get on their bikes and hit the streets and paths around the Washington, D.C. area to enjoy the sport of bicycling to raise money for various causes. One of those causes is the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Hampton Roads Tour de Cure. Since 2005, the Blue Suit Pacers have fielded a team to participate in the annual ride. Since then, between nine and 16 members make the trip from Northern Virginia to the Tour destination. They not only train to ride, but they are always in the Top Ten Fundraising Teams for the event!

Air Force Master Sgt. B.L. Lawrence is the team captain and is committed to the ADA and the Hampton Roads Tour de Cure. Lawrence is the back bone of the team, a natural leader and he eagerly fundraises, year after year. Each member of the team who participates in the ride has a connection to diabetes. Team member and military family member Kelly Wheeler said it best.

“My enthusiasm for this organization comes from the history my family has with this disease,” Wheeler explained. “My father, brother, two uncles and a nephew have all been diagnosed and are being treated for diabetes. I ride not only to raise funds in an effort to find a cure, but to increase awareness and educate co-workers, friends and neighbors as to the impact of the disease.

“Since diabetes is so prevalent in my family,” Wheeler continued, “I am also deeply concerned for my children and their children’s future. As a cyclist who believes strongly in the efforts toward eradicating diabetes, the ADA through the Tour de Cure provides a fulfilling opportunity to combine passions.”

In 2003, the Center for Disease Control estimated that one child in every three born since 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime, should current trends continue.

When asked what his most memorable Tour de Cure moment is to date, Lawrence said this year’s ride in April was the best.

“Nine team members crossed the finish line of the century route together with hands raised in victory,” Lawrence said. “Two of the team members recently lost their mothers, both passing away from complications from diabetes. On the day of the event, all of the Pacers rode with photographs each of the two women on either sleeve of their jerseys.”

Online registration for the April 17 ride is now open at www.diabetes.org/tour! Or contact the Hampton Roads Tour de Cure event manager, Marianne Patterson, at mpatterson@diabetes.org or call at 242-6662 ext. 3276 for additional information.

To support the American Diabetes Association, designate CFC #6005, #74975 or #11235.