Training continues. I made a spin class for myself. Alone. Many stares. Many. I keep taking photos. Big day this Saturday. Big ride this Sunday. I liked this quote today:
“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.”
—Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519). Artist, Inventor, Scientist
So far this week:
In 36 Days I will be attempting to ride 100 Miles in Burlington, Vermont.
Scratch that.
In 36 Days, I WILL ride 100 Miles on my bike in Burlington, Vermont.
Today is my diaversary. Diagnosed with T1D 36 years ago today.
I figured out this mathematical magic this morning… 36 more days til Ride and and 36 years of T1D on the same day. That’s gotta count for something right?
Here’s the newest bit of “flair” in my fundraising plans.
Ok, you knew I was going to figure-out a way to decorate this bike right? I used to bedazzle Dexcom arm sensors. All these warnings about creating drag on the bike… I’m already the slowest one folks. If I’m going to be the caboose, I’ll be a brightly colored, glittered one for sure!
Here’s my social media fundraising idea (scheme) for today:
YOU are going on The JDRF Ride! Say WHAT?!?! For everyone who has donated to MY riding 100 Miles on 7/25, YOUR name (or message) is going ON the bike! Come with me! This bike is all about inspiration, funding vital research, and a LOT of Alecia flair. Where’s the glitter paint? #gettingcrafty #36 #diaversarydream
-> ****MY Dream**** <- (So close to beating the 2001- first year Alecia’s Stem Cells total).
I have had a bit of a heavy heart lately. When I think about this diaversary stuff, I have uncharacteristically lacked feelings on it. I haven’t been upset per se, but I have lacked enthusiasm. My friend posted this photo today. This certainly turned my mood around. Note: I definitely do NOT like chocolate mint Cliff bars.
Also if anyone has a bike helmet covered in LED lights and rhinestones, let’s talk.
A super brief update from the Dexcom/insurance debacle. I received a bill from the 3rd party (wait 2nd party? Oo-la-la! A fiesta!) that supplied my “new” Dexcom G4. The bill was not for the full bazillion dollars but for the co-pay/prescription plan. Interesting. I also received my next 3 month shipment of Dexcom sensors. Although I do NOT have it in writing (trying), it appears my Medical Denial was indeed overturned and it was NOT because of the 2nd or 3rd party supplier (it’s 2nd right? Why am I so confused on this?) BUT because I went a little nutso and my doctor had a peer-to-peer review with one of the doctors from the medical insurance company. Again I do NOT have this in writing (I do have about 10 copies of the denial letter though) but I’m willing to put myself out there and consider this a win.
WHEW!!!!
In other news, I am 61% to my JDRF Ride goal. In 45 days, (how is this even possible so soon???!? I NEED MORE TIME) I will be riding 100 Miles in Burlington, Vermont. I still can’t believe I’m doing this (well trying, I haven’t done it yet and my longest ride so far is 65 miles which did NOT go well… but more on that and my NEW game plan, maybe next week).
When I started Alecia’s Stem Cells (JDRF Walk team), in 2001, we collectively raised just over $7000. Little did I know then how much the team would grow and even go on to walk in other cities. Switching to the Ride program is like starting all over again. I am cycling fetus. Everything is new to me and there is just so much trial and error (and some crashing). It has been a bit of a relief to not deal with organizing so many people and everyone’s travel plans but on the flip side, the training and time commitment to Ride are significant (read: A LOT). Want to help me get beyond 61%? Check out this PAGE… If you could share this link with other, I’d be beyond appreciative!
Cool tan lines courtesy of cycling gear!
I left an appointment last night (therapy or what I refer to as “Feelings”), walked out the door and turned right (East). As I walked down the street, something seemed bright behind me but I was busy with my phone. I turned the corner, and people were facing West, snapping photos with their phones. I spun around and was surprised to see Manhattanhenge was still happening. I thought it was over already and I had missed it the last few evenings. I snapped a quick pic too and turned North. At every intersection, I looked left (West) and there was always someone snapping a photo. Many people stopped in the middle of the road (be careful New Yorkers). I took a photo at every cross street too. The 3rd intersection was THE Moment. Blinding orange light. So much more beautiful than the photo below.
Stop and look.
I kept walking and looking left. I realized I was smiling. I was smiling because last weekend on my 55 mile bike ride (yes, I rode 55 miles on the bike…. AGAIN). I had a brief conversation about diabetes and eyes. I shocked a fellow cyclist by describing how much aggressive laser eye treatments I’d had 15 years ago. As I walked and soaked in the changing views of Manhattanhenge, I kept thinking how easily I get caught-up in problems and life’s stress. There are times that I forget how very fortunate I am. How important it is to embrace and celebrate the act of being grateful. I kept thinking about this as I turned right (I zig zagged homeword) onto the same street as my church.
I heard from the Pastor of my church this week as he has not seen me in a while and was concerned. I had emailed him back explaining that I am still alive, training for a 100 mile bike ride (God help me, no really, please God, keep me on the bike and upright), and that I had been away a few Sundays as well (you know when I’m not falling off the bike), and I skipped the part that there have been times when I simply didn’t feel like going. As I walked past the church, thinking how I should really make some time to visit with the Pastor (he’s such a good, thoughtful man, even though he’s a Buffalo Sabers fan), I saw the sign outside.
Perfect timing.
This morning, I saw THIS ARTICLE and yes, the tears started flowing. THIS is what I tested in the Artificial Pancreas clinical trial. In summary, this version of the AP is headed towards commercialization. Huge news along with the Bigfoot announcements this week.
Human clinical trials of AP and Bionic Pancreas systems are happening. Human clinical trials of encapsulation are happening. Human clinical trials of Smart insulin are happening soon! I completely and totally understand the frustration of wanting the CURE, but I am grateful that huge steps in technology and better treatments are on the horizon and I am still around to “see” this happening.
Now, I just need to stay on that damn bike, increase my stamina and get to my fundraising goal!
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
—Anaïs Nin (1903-1977)
My bond with Dallas:
1. The TV show Dallas premiered in 1978. A few months later, I was diagnosed with T1D. Yay the 70s!
2. Who shot JR? Was a cliffhanger which became a pop culture phenomenon. The episode where the shooter was revealed was the second highest rated prime telecast ever (it was Sue Ellen’s sister who revealed she was pregnant with JR’s child and used that to keep herself out of prison). During the time this episode aired, I too was taking shots (well of insulin… no bullets were involved). Shots!
3. Season 9 of Dallas was revealed to be a dream sequence of Pamela Ewing’s (she thought Bobby died. It was awful. When she “woke-up” the next season, she freaked when she found him taking a shower). Bobby’s “return” (he left for a season but was persuaded to come back due to declining ratings) effectively eliminated everything from the previous season. I wish T1D was a just a dream, but alas, my dream is to be part of The CURE, and eliminate T1D. On a side note, I’m a huge fan of long showers too!
4. Dallas won 4 Emmy awards. I’ve won 4 Best of the Betes Blogs (so close to an Emmy… if only the blog were a TV show).
5. Sue Ellen was a former Miss Texas. Sierra Sandison is a fellow T1D and a current Miss Idaho (this part will make sense in a minute).
6. Dallas was know for ending every season with a cliff hanger. Diabetes is a series of ups and downs too (especially with blood glucose levels)
7 . I was once lost in South Fork… well the south fork of Long Island.
8. Dallas originally aired on Saturday nights, was switched to Sunday nights and then switched to Friday nights where it stayed, until the series ended in 1991. I will be in Dallas this Friday night to attend and speak at The JDRF DALLAS Type ONE Nation Summit on Saturday 6/6.
Incredible right? So are you anywhere near Dallas/ Ft Worth? Do you have T1D? Do you love someone with T1D? Do you care about someone with T1D? Are you enemies with someone with T1D (ok that part’s a joke. Cheeky.)? Here’s the Registration Info (yes, FREE).
JDRF Type One Nation Summits are happening throughout the country. If you would like to find one near you, click HERE.
These Type One Nation Summits create some really amazing opportunities and I have met such amazing people and lots of new friends. I’ve been to 2 so far (3’s the magic number right? Yay Dallas… or should I say Yee Ha?). The presentations and speakers are different for each Summit. In Dallas, there will be an outstanding group presenting and also hosting a series of break-out sessions. The list is available HERE and includes Miss Idaho, Sierra Sandison who brought so much awareness to diabetes with her #ShowMeYourPump campaign and also professional snowboarder and founder of Riding on Insulin, Sean Busby. You can also hear me attempt to say, “Mission Message” which is absolutely impossible to say 3 times fast.
This post was a bit more of a stretch than the Britney Spears/Vegas post but hey, the “shots” part was pretty solid. Just remember, EVERYTHING’S bigger in Texas y’all.