You and Me

“You and me, Ryan.” I whispered these four words to myself as I crossed the finish line of my first-ever JDRF Ride to Cure.

It wasn’t the first time I’ve said these words. In fact, I’ve repeated, “you and me, Ryan” many times over the last several months as I trained for my 72-mile ride around Lake Tahoe. While ascending the hills of Griffith Park or Angeles Crest highway, riding along the coast from Santa Monica to Rancho Palos Verdes and back, or the numerous spin classes at the gym, “you and me, Ryan” has been my trigger to push forward with renewed determination when my legs and lungs were telling me to quit.

I was ready for Lake Tahoe. To be sure, I was anxious about the unfamiliar course – the hills and switchbacks – and how the high altitude would impact my performance, but I never doubted I would realize my goal of crossing the finish line.

What I was not ready for, what I could not have prepared for, was the emotions of spending the weekend with over 200 people that understand what it means when Type One diabetes invades your body and family, over 200 people that share my family’s passion for finding a cure.

The stories I heard and the actions I witnessed were often familiar and always inspiring. By far, the most rewarding and empowering moments occurred at the finish line. First, the cheers of encouragement directed at me as I completed my ride and then the joy I experienced as I joined the crowd of supporters.

I never imagined myself giving high-fives, fist bumps, and hugs to people – most of whom I had never met – but I did.

Countless times I witnessed riders will themselves across the finish line and then flash a victory smile which quickly gave way to tears as they made eye contact with a loved one, perhaps the person they ride for, rushing to greet them with a congratulatory embrace. I may not have known their stories, but I understood.

My greatest takeaway from this life-changing event and the training that preceded it is realizing how blessed my family is to have a community of support as we journey toward a cure.

I will be forever grateful to the JDRF Ride to Cure staff and volunteers (led by Alyson, Tara and Lindsay), the bike room crew (led by Mike and Andy), the JDRF ride coaches, my fellow riders, and my Los Angeles chapter teammates led by Jen and Eric Tozer. And lastly, a special, heartfelt thank you to my family, friends, and supporters. You overwhelmed me. Your generous donations and words of encouragement over the last few months will never be forgotten or taken lightly. Collectively, your friendship, passion, and determination inspire me to do more.

I hope this message of gratitude has put a smile on your face. I hope you go to sleep tonight with a full-heart knowing that your actions have made a difference in my life and the lives of so many you will never have the opportunity to meet.

For my part, I promise to never stop pedaling or advocating on behalf of Type One diabetes until we have our cure. And on that day, when hope and human spirit triumph, we will cross the most important finish line together and whisper – no, shout – a well-deserved, “you and me.”