Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a fatal genetic disease that causes a build-up of mucus in both the lungs and digestive tract of its sufferers. This leads to severe respiratory problems and an inability to properly digest and absorb adequate nutrients from food. A greater understanding of the condition through research has led to a dramatic increase in the life expectancy of a newborn with CF in recent years, however, the disease is still claiming many young lives - often in their teens. Lung disease, and ultimately failure, still remains the greatest cause of death in CF patients. Organ transplants have broken new ground in prolonging the lives (and quality of life) of CF patients, however, there is still no cure - a new set of lungs does NOT signal a life without CF.
Diabetes is a condition that affects the ability of the body to convert glucose in foods into energy. Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are the two most common forms - Type 1 occurs when the pancreas does not produce the hormone insulin, which is necessary for the conversion of glucose into energy. Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin, or the body does not use that insulin effectively in the glucose-energy conversion process. Type 2 is the most common, affecting 85-90% of all people with diabetes. While diabetes can generally be controlled through diet, exercise and medication, just like CF, there is no cure. Diabetics are more likely to suffer heart disease, strokes and eye problems. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults, while heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes.
VeloCURE is an idea that was born over dinner by a small group of friends - an idea to do something positive (and perhaps a little crazy) in an effort to raise both awareness and money for research into Cystic Fibrosis and Diabetes. We decided that we'll ride our bicycles from Vancouver on Canada's West Coast to New York City on the East Coast of the United States, taking in such cities as Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto and Rochester. A ride that will see us cover almost 5,500 kilometers in 2 months over the Summer of 2010. All funds raised by our ride will be split 50/50 between the relevant Diabetes and Cystic Fibrosis organizations in each country. All funds raised will stay in the country in which they are raised.
We can only do it with your support!!!
Thankyou,
The VeloCREW