Tour De Cure Silicon Valley 2019 Recap | WellnessLiving
Last Updated on 30 July, 2019
Tour de Cure 2019 was a resounding success! Held recently on June 23rd in Silicon Valley, California, the event has raised over $510,000 so far in support of the American Diabetes Association.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, in 2017 about 425 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes, and by 2045 this number is expected to rise to 629 million. In the Unites States, the current estimated number of children and adults afflicted is 30.3 million, and the number is only growing.
Diabetes is now the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower limb amputation, and new cases of working-age adult blindness. Currently without a cure, this condition is a constant battle for those affected and for their loved ones.
Events around the world such as Tour de Cure are crucial to raising awareness and research funding.
What is Tour de Cure?
This is an annual event where participants can ride, run or walk to help the American Diabetes Association (ADA) raise much-needed funds. Participants can choose to get involved as part of a corporate team or as a friends and family team. They then create their own web page and work towards their fundraising goals—getting involved is as easy as that!
The event offers participants the choice of a variety of different routes and distances. Choose to participate in a 5-mile walk or timed run, or you can cycle one of these distances: 12 miles, 30 miles, 47 miles, 63 miles or 75 miles—now that’s commitment!
This event offers an option for all levels of ability, so everyone can join the fight against diabetes!
Tour de Cure is more than just a run or ride, it’s a celebration of those living with diabetes and a celebration of ADA’s mission to find a cure. Registrants are encouraged to recruit their friends and family to continue to build the event and strengthen the fight.
With the motto of “Many Roads. One Purpose”, this event draws in the community with a health-inspired endeavor to help raise funds for camp, to conduct research, and for education and advocacy for people with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 1.5 million people are diagnosed with diabetes each year. Tour de Cure is just one of the many events held in support of the ADA with the goal of preventing and curing diabetes, as well as improving the lives of those living with the disease.
WellnessLiving’s 2019 Tour de Cure Experience
It was an event for three generations, as WellnessLiving’s CEO, Len Fridman participated by riding in the event with his father and son.
Growing up, Len’s family didn’t have a lot of money. When he turned 13, his grandmother gifted him his first bike, one she carefully saved up for. He loved riding that bike and has since credited his love for cycling to that gift from his beloved grandmother.
Len’s grandmother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and she passed away because of it. Since then, Len has been a strong advocate for health and wellness, along with supporting diabetes research for prevention and a cure.
Last year Len learned about Tour de Cure and its mission, and he jumped right in!
This year’s event was really special for Len. He bought his father a bike for the event and brought along his 8-year-old son. And together, the 3 generations of Fridmans participated in this year’s Tour de Cure in Silicon Valley. This was such a special experience! It was especially significant because Len’s father has type 2 diabetes and he was able to contribute his time with his family.
It was also exciting that Rodger Williams from SWEAT Fitness participated in the event for the second year in a row with Len and his family. Len is thrilled when other members of the industry get involved and share his passion for health and contributing to the community.
“Diabetes has touched my family and the lives of so many others. I am thrilled to be able to help make positive change in any way I can. I am grateful that my position as CEO of WellnessLiving affords me the opportunity to contribute on a grander scale,” stated Len, “And to be able to include my family and the wellness community just makes Tour de Cure that much more meaningful.”
It was an honor for Len to be able to contribute to the advancements in diabetes research, programs and education; along with advocating for active living, health and wellness and community involvement.
Tour de Cure is the American Diabetes Association’s premier fundraising initiative with a broad range of participants and fundraising opportunities, with the campaign having been expanded to include the community element. Together, communities learn about healthy living, diabetes and its effects, supporting people with the disease, and the efforts being made to find a cure. This event provides an exciting opportunity for businesses, communities, friends and family to work together in spreading the word and raising much-needed funds for this widespread disease.
So, what happens to all the money that were raised? According to the Tracey Brown, CEO of the American Diabetes Association, “We’ve helped people impacted by natural disasters access to affordable medication, and supported unparalleled research projects at leading U.S. institutions.”
From testifying in Congress to lowering the insulin costs to raising national awareness for the disease, the ADA is continually searching for ways to make an impact and improve the lives of those affected with diabetes and with much-needed funds, these efforts can continue.
This year’s event boasted approximately 900 riders and about 200 volunteers in attendance, all coming together to raise funds for a cure! Want to help out? Donate to the cause today! Looking to participate an event in support of the American Diabetes Association? All details for upcoming events can be found on the ADA’s website.
About Len Fridman, Co-founder and CEO of WellnessLiving
Len Fridman is passionate about helping his community and raising awareness for health and fitness. From sponsoring charity events to participating in them, making a difference is a priority for Len and everyone here at WellnessLiving.
While Len was building a successful boot-camp and outdoor fitness business, he blended his love of helping others with his passion for health and wellness. He also quickly realized that the software available to wellness businesses at the time simply wasn’t up to the job.
Seeing an opportunity to raise the bar for the industry, he (and co-founder Sasha Davids) got together and started WellnessLiving.
WellnessLiving was built from the desire to impact the industry on a grander scale by offering software to help entrepreneurs build their businesses and to improve the wellness industry. This endeavor affords Len the opportunity to help make a difference in the world, benefiting businesses, growing the wellness industry and contributing to overall healthier living across the globe.
More About the American Diabetes Association
For nearly 80 years, the ADA has been leading the fight in finding a cure and improving the lives of millions of families living with diabetes. They fund research, host fundraising events like Tour de Cure, deliver services to communities, provide education, offer support and serve as a voice for those affected with this disease.
Join the fight! Support the ADA by donating, participate in a fundraising event, getting involved through work, donating stocks—choose from one of the many ways you can make a difference in the lives of so many by helping with the ADA’s effort to cure type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
