The Game Changer
Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 7:57AM I like to brag about riding 36 miles on the ADA Tour de Cure a few years ago. The few of you who rode with me know it was not a pretty sight but I did make it and because of that I am pretty proud of myself.
The Tour de Cure and my desire to finally take the leap of faith and do it is because of one person, Mari Ruddy.
I met Mari while attending an AADE conference in Las Vegas. We met on the convention room floor and within a few moments of talking she had me crying, she was crying, we were hugging, and my commitment to ride was set in stone.
Her story of why she wanted to start the Red Riders Program with the ADA is a powerful one. I highly recommend you click on this link and read her story. It always makes me choke up.
Mari is an important person in my life even though we only chat online now and then. She inspires me to be better than I think I can be. She makes me want to get up and do something when the world is sitting on top of me. She helps me remember that all this struggle and frustration with diabetes is worth it, I am worth it.
Being a Red Rider means so much more to me than it ever would if I didn't know Mari or read her story. She changed my life and I am just one ninja. Can you imagine how many others she helps?
Becoming aware of Mari this Diabetes Awareness Month is like getting another weapon in your arsenal against diabetes and depression.
If you know Mari please share your story in the comments. I would love to be more aware of her awesomeness.
Reader Comments (3)
Mari is amazing and inspiring! She encouraged me to ran, again! I can't believe I actually love it.
Great post about a great person!~ I had the chance to speak with Mari a few years back over the phone - And we keep in touch via Facebook - You are one luckyduck that you had the chance to meet her in real life!
Mari is such an amazing person. The movement she has started in so many people has taken on a life of its own, and I'm proud to be a part of it, and even more proud to be a part of it with you, G-Money.