The Twin Cities Tour de Cure cycling event will be taking place on Saturday, June 1st at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. This Minnesota bike ride is a signature fundraising event for the American Diabetes Association. We are in need of volunteers to help with set-up on Friday, May 31st and various activities on Saturday, June 1st. See the list below for more details:

For a full list of volunteer activities visit www.diabetes.org/volunteertourmn or click on the direct links below.

Friday, May 31st, 2013
- Set-up: http://vols.pt/QJGsbw

Saturday, June 1st, 2013
- Working at a key location along the route: http://vols.pt/KkNZCq
- Ride Marshalls & Mobile Mechanics: http://vols.pt/Y86ogN
- Registration, Greeters, Parking Attendants, Information Booth: http://vols.pt/GQs2AB
- Handing out T-Shirts, Merchandise, Medals: http://vols.pt/NadAiQ
- Serving breakfast, lunch, or beer: http://vols.pt/DrnUps
- Start/Finish line cheering & cowbell ringing: http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/1333316580120

Questions? Contact the Tour de Cure Volunteer Team at voluntourdecure@hotmail.com.

This year’s Gala is Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. At the Gala, the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is being honored with the Act Award for their efforts and work with people who have prediabetes or are at risk for diabetes. Below is a story of Susan Bradt, a participant in the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program.

I am the mother of 3 children and 8 lively grandchildren and I have struggled with my weight ever since I was a little girl. Every time I gathered the willpower to try the newest diet I would lose weight, but then regain even more. I turned to bariatric surgeries, and had my first surgery in the 80’s and the second in the 90’s. The surgeries would work for a time, but then I would slowly start packing on the pounds. Because I was so heavy I always felt out of breath and had terrible knee and feet pain. I was depressed and felt myself withdrawing from life. I lost interest in one of my passions. I was a Master Gardener, and had my garden featured in a tour, but I could no longer keep up with it. I wouldn’t step on the scale because I was afraid to see the number. The pain in my knee got so bad, I made an appointment with my rheumatologist and he said to me, “If you would just lose a little weight”. I felt angry, and thought, “Hadn’t I done everything to try and lose weight?”

It was at that time I picked up the newspaper and read about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. I was reminded of a good friend who had diabetes and had struggled with her weight. She adopted a beautiful baby girl because a pregnancy with her diabetes was too risky. Just months later she died because of a diabetes related issue. I lost a good friend and her little girl had lost another mother. Thinking of my friend renewed my determination and I enrolled in the program. I knew I needed support. I became very conscious of what I put in my mouth and what I bought at the store and I started reading labels. Before the program we ate out a lot and after looking up the fat grams I was astounded at what I was consuming. It didn’t look excessive, but in fact it was. When I eat out now I feel like I can make better choices. I overcame my resistance to exercise by working out at the Y. Initially I could only do 5 minutes, but now I can do 35 minutes and feel stronger and better after exercising. I also overcame my resistance to go to the meetings even when it was below zero. I overcame my fear of stepping on the scale. I now know I will be able to reach my desired weight, because I have tools.

After 5 months in the program I lost over 15% of my body weight. I learned a lot from the group members about what is available to us in our community. They also struggled, and there was camaraderie that we had together. I had a coach who was always positive and encouraging. The combination of nutrition information, building awareness, and the well-being from exercise really worked for me. I have learned the secret to success, and it’s not “willpower”. It’s learning to make healthy lifestyle choices. It would be wonderful if other people could have the opportunity to learn the tools, to find hope, and find success. This program’s teachings have saved my life.

Susan Bradt

Help us honor the YMCA, Susan and all the other participants in the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program by becoming involved in this year’s Gala.

Act on Diabetes Now Gala

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Treasure Island Resort & Casino

www.stopdiabetesgala.org

To learn more about the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program: http://www.ymcatwincities.org/health__fitness/wellness_programs/diabetes_prevention/

In 2011, my husband and I ran the Twin Cities Marathon together. Jack, a Type 1 Diabetic, wore a shirt that said “Diabetes: Run with It.” Along the way we met other people who were also running with diabetes. We would run with them for short periods and they would share stories about some of the difficulties of training with diabetes or how running improved their A1Cs. I finished the race feeling so proud of what my husband and the other diabetics accomplished that day and amazed by the sense of community that we felt from strangers along the way.

I got to experience some of that same pride and sense of community when Jack and I visited Camp Needlepoint in August. Diabetes can sometimes make a person feel lonely. Camp Needlepoint allows kids who are living with diabetes to be part of a community of other people who know what they are going through. Jack and I sat down at the dinner table with some of the Counselors-in-Training and I watched as he was swallowed up in a community of young people with diabetes. They quizzed him about how many carbs were in his pizza, asked him what his last A1C was, and told him where he could buy a skin for his pump to make it ‘cooler’. After dinner we watched as the campers sang songs about diabetes and cheered each other on as they announced accomplishments like trying a new insulin pump infusion set location or giving themselves a shot for the first time.

I volunteer and support the Gala because diabetes is something that I see the effects of every day and I wanted to help. However, after visiting camp I now have a better understanding of how I want to help. I support the Gala because I want everyone living with diabetes to feel part of a community. I want children to be able to go to Camp Needlepoint and I want adults to be able to turn to the ADA for information and support. I want people with diabetes to feel proud of what they accomplish every day because I think that making the decisions for a healthy life really is something to be proud of.

Terrae

Act on Diabetes Now Gala
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
www.stopdiabetesgala.org

The Walser Automotive Group donates 5% of pre-tax earnings to Twin Cities community programs through the Walser Foundation. Every year, the Foundation provides cash grants to organizations that strengthen the communities through support of families, women, and children. The Walser Foundation has been committed to supporting The American Diabetes Association for 4 years. Each year Walser has been involved in the annual Gala, supports Camp Needlepoint, keeps the routes safe at Tour de Cure with their Support and Gear vehicles, and puts together a Walser walk team at the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes.

Now The Walser Foundation wants to give you a chance to ‘Win with Walser!’ This year Walser has chosen to give 3 pairs of their gala tickets to some of our dedicated supporters. We want to hear why you should be the winner of one of the 3 pairs of tickets to the Gala on Saturday, May 4th, 2013 at 6:00PM.

How to enter? Share your story, your involvement with The American Diabetes Association, and anything you want us to know! E-mail it to Jen by Monday, April 22nd at jeller@diabetes.org and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, April 24th.

Gala Details: Saturday, May 4th, 2013 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, MN at 6:00PM. Black tie admired but not required.

Henry Lake of KFAN Radio in Minneapolis will be the Master of Ceremony for the upcoming American Diabetes Association’s Gala on Saturday, May 4, 2013. Here is why he is acting on diabetes now:

My name is Henry Lake, Talk Show Host and personality for KFAN Radio in Minneapolis. I am so proud to be Co-Emcee of the American Diabetes Association Gala each year with Jeff Passolt. I love giving back to my community, especially to the cause of creating awareness and helping raise funds to try and find a cure for Diabetes. My connection and tie to this cause is very personal to me. I lost my mother Joyce Lewis-Lake to Diabetes in August of 2004. My mother was my teacher and role model and meant everything to me. I decided that I would honor her by being a part of the ADA and give in some way

to the Gala and Diabetes Walk campaigns.

Being a part of the Gala has definitely made me a better person.

Henry Lake
Act on Diabetes Now Gala
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
www.stopdiabetesgala.org

This year’s Gala is Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. At this event we honor four leaders in our community with the Stop Diabetes Awards: Share, Act, Learn and Give. This year we are honoring three organizations and one individual whose tireless efforts have supported the mission of the American Diabetes Association. Their contributions have helped make the lives of people with diabetes better through their leadership. Because of their commitment we move closer to the vision of ADA: a life free of diabetes and all its burdens.

Monty Stuempert
Share Award – For sharing the story of the American Diabetes Association for the past 12 years through video showcasing Camp Needlepoint, the Diabetes EXPO and the Gala honorees. Through his creativity Monty has put a face to diabetes, our programs and those who have made our community strong.

YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program
Act Award – For their efforts and work with people who have prediabetes or are at risk for diabetes to help them learn healthy eating and physical activity habits that have been proven to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes . The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) led National Diabetes Prevention Program, is a 16 week program that not only improves health, but could potentially save billions in future health care costs by preventing diabetes.

Novo Nordisk, Inc.
Learn Award – For their commitment to providing educational opportunities in the community by supporting and investing in diabetes awareness, prevention and behavior change to improving health and productivity through the Stop Diabetes @ Work Program, Pathways to Better Health Program and Healthcare Professional Education.

Cannon Falls, School Walk for Diabetes Program
Give Award – For hosting the School Walk for Diabetes Program for the Cannon Falls area school district. Through hosting the School Walk for Diabetes students have learned about diabetes and the importance of making healthy choices including eating nutritional foods and exercising every day while promoting school spirit and community involvement. Over the past 9 years they have raised over $175,000 to support the American Diabetes Association.

For more information on the Gala and how you can help, visit www.stopdiabetesgala.org.

American Diabetes Association – Minnesota Office Board Member, Mark Dunn, shares why he is Acting On Diabetes Now! Read his personal story here:

‘Diabetes is a personal issue for me, my Mother had diabetes and died of complications, and it affects the mother of my children, it is also a very real business issue. 34 years ago I started my career in the Hospitality business. While I have witnessed a large number of changes in how the business has run, the effect of Diabetes has been profound. We never worried about “Sharps” containers 30 years ago. We never even considered having them available. I remember the first time I had a Guest room attendant (maid) get poked by a needle. Not a pleasant experience for the team member and a real wake up call for me.  Today “sharps” containers are available in all of the restrooms on the Casino floor and we have them on request at the hotel desk. We not only provide these for the guests, but for the safety of the team members.For my present employer, we have over 1500 team members. One of the most expensive medical costs we have is for drugs and supplies related to Diabetes. To say that it is a million dollar disease, on an annual basis for us, is not an exaggeration.

All this shows how subtle and insidious Diabetes is. It has crept into all of our lives. You don’t realize how pervasive it is until it affects you and then you notice that it’s everywhere. It affects us all personally and professionally.

The American Diabetes Association in Minnesota is having a Gala on the 4th of May. It is being held at Treasure Island Resort & Casino this year as it has for the last three years. I participate on the gala committee and the local Volunteer Community Leadership Board.  There are many ways to be involved with our upcoming gala.

Donate: Whether you support the event financially by purchasing a table, advertising in the evening’s program, or donating an auction item, there are many ways to help.

Support: Invite your family, friends, and co-workers to join in the movement as well.  Volunteer your time with the gala committee or at the event.

Attend: Confront, Fight, and Stop Diabetes by attending the American Diabetes Association Gala.  For more information on the gala or to become involved visit www.stopdiabetesgala.org.

Take the diabetes risk test, take care of yourself and get involved. The Diabetes Risk Test can be found at www.diabetes.org/risktest.’

Mark Dunn
Hospitality Director
Treasure Island Resort & Casino

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 33 years ago now.  It seems like only yesterday in some ways and in other ways, as anyone with diabetes would tell you, it seems like it has been way too long.  But because of the great medical atmosphere here in Minnesota and all the great things that people at the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic are doing to not only help people with diabetes but also to find a cure, I feel really fortunate to be here in the Twin Cities. 

A cure would mean so much to me personally.   I have a younger brother who has diabetes and his daughter who is 13 was diagnosed 3 years ago with type 1 diabetes.  I’ve been a Master of Ceremony at the annual American Diabetes Gala for many years.  I always look forward to sharing an evening of fun, fond reflections and hope with those affected by diabetes.  The chance to help those in need and recognize others who do so much to fight diabetes is an honor.

Come join us!

Act on Diabetes Now Gala

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Treasure Island Resort & Casino

www.stopdiabetesgala.org

Jeff Passolt

School Walk for Diabetes is an educational school fund-raising program that promotes healthy living, school spirit and community involvement.
While raising money for the American Diabetes Association, students learn about diabetes and the importance of making healthy choices including eating nutritional foods and exercising every day. The money raised through School Walk for Diabetes helps to fund diabetes research, education and advocacy in support of the mission of the American Diabetes Association.

Check this PDF for more information!

2012-13-School WalkBrochure

Looking for local ski and cycling apparel that is designed and created in the Midwest or Minnesota? Podiumwear in based out of St. Paul and is a sponsor of the Twin Cities Tour de Cure cycling event.

They are hosting the Twin Cities Tour de Cure Kickoff party tonight from 4-7PM. Be sure to stop by if you are looking for a great party and to hang out with your Tour friends.

There will be food, beer, fundraising tips, information about custom jerseys, and prize giveaways.

Hope to see you at Podiumwear.