This edition will introduce us to our 2013 Youth Ambassador: Alex Hogge! Thanks Alex!
The
American Diabetes Association of Michigan is proud to announce Alex Hogge of
Brighton as a 2013 Youth Ambassador for the Annual Tour de Cure. The Tour de
Cure is a bike ride that enables all skill levels of bikers to take part in a
fun day of cycling throughout Brighton and celebrate their yearlong fundraising
efforts for diabetes research. Alex will be riding ten miles in the 2013 Tour
de Cure, which takes place on Saturday, June 15th. This will be
Alex’s second year in the ride.
Alex
Hogge is an eleven year old sixth grader from Brighton, Michigan who has Type 1
diabetes. Diagnosed at the age of three, Alex’s parents were initially
concerned that diabetes would limit what Alex would be capable of doing while
growing up. Fortunately, they could not have been more wrong, as Alex plays
tackle football, loves to read and write, takes part in his school’s pride
cadet team, and is also on safety patrol. He wants to be an author when he
grows up, and frequently reads Rick Riordan’s books.
While
Alex is thriving as a straight ‘A’ student and busy with his many activities,
diabetes certainly plays a role in his life. Alex says that he has to be aware
of his carbohydrate in-take every day, take shots and monitor his blood sugar.
Instead of dwelling on these tedious tasks for an eleven year old, Alex says
that having diabetes makes him feel as if he is in a “special club.” Alex is
able to be a part of the special club at the Annual Tour de Cure where he is highlighted
as a Red Rider and the 2013 Tour de Cure Youth Ambassador.
When
asked what advice he has for other children who have diabetes or have been
recently diagnosed, Alex said to not be afraid of the disease. Alex has chosen
to focus on the positive aspects of diabetes, such as going to The American
Diabetes Association’s Camp Midicha and riding in the Tour de Cure. Alex’s
parents are thrilled that Alex has such a positive outlook on his diabetes and
his future. Their advice for parents with children who have diabetes is to
research the disease and have a support group of individuals who also have
children with diabetes. This group can serve as an outlet when times are hard
as well as another informative resource. With the help of people like Alex, the
American Diabetes Association hopes that there will be a cure to diabetes soon.
Tour de Cure
Saturday, June
15, 2013
Check-in begins
at 6:30am (see website for all check-in and ride times)
Brighton High
School
7878 Brighton
Rd.
Brighton
For more information and to register
please visit: www.diabetes.org/michigantourdecure, or contact
Nicki Gabel at ngabel@diabetes.org or 248-433-3830, ext. 6694.
Keep in touch: Twitter @Mitourdecure, Facebook and You Tube.
The Tour iPhone and Android applications
are now available in the iTunes store for free.