Tour de Cure Cycling Event

Dear Supporters,

We wanted to share a story that we find deeply moving. It's a story of how one father got involved with the American Diabetes Association. But we'll let him explain...

"My daughter, Audra is the reason I got involved. She was only 7 when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Despite excellent care and our best efforts, her condition eventually caused her kidneys to fail. So on her 26th birthday, I donated one of my kidneys to give her more time. It was the best present I could have given her - or myself.

We had eight more precious years together - Audra passed away in 2012.

I miss her every day. I still cry over losing her.

But I am determined to help others avoid the same loss - fathers like me who love their little girls, women like Audra who love their lives and their families.

I may have lost my daughter but I have found my purpose - I am dedicated to helping fund research programs and to finding a cure and better treatments so that others can spare the ravages of this disease.

I am still thankful for the information and the support the American Diabetes Association offered us throughout Audra's struggle with diabetes. It was like a light in the dark.

I want to offer that same light to others who feel lost in the dark. And I hope my story inspires you to join me in supporting diabetes research.

Thank you for listening and for joining me in the fighting this terrible disease." - George "Stoney" Pavlik

Every dollar you give through GlobalGiving moves us closer to better treatments, better care and a cure. Thank you for your continued support.

Learn more about Tour de Cure Online (www.diabetes.org/tourpdx) or on social media: Facebook (@Tour de Cure- Oregon), Twitter (@TourdeCureORWA) or Instagram (@tourdecurepdx).