For nearly 20 years, NYCM Insurance has been a proud supporter of the American
Diabetes Association’s Tour
de Cure event. Created as a way of fundraising for their cause, Tour de Cure
has helped to provide support
to over 34 million Americans who are living with diabetes. Continue reading
to learn more about the American Diabetes Association, Tour de Cure, and why
some of our most passionate employees
champion this cause.
Riding to Raise Funds
2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the Tour de Cure! To celebrate,
this year the American Diabetes Association is launching their brand new
“virtually enhanced, year-round” experience. While the intent is to supply riders with new
challenges and inspire even more people to commit to the cause, they are also
hoping to encourage physical
activity all year long! The Association plans to release details surrounding
this new project through their local event pages.
From fighting for lower medical costs and
accessibility laws, to creating comprehensive diabetic education programs, the
American Diabetes Association has supported significant advancements towards a
cure. Studies show that
someone in the U.S is diagnosed with diabetes every 21 seconds and that an
estimated 88 million Americans have
prediabetes. The ADA advocates for not only for
research to help those who currently have diabetes, but for education as well.
Employees Riding Together for A Cause Close to Home
Many of our own employees hold strong ties to the American Diabetes
Association, whether it be because they have personally been affected by the
disease or know someone who has.
It isn’t uncommon for NYCM families to get together to support their
causes. Pictured above are three generations of the Robinson family riding in the Tour De
Cure to help fight against diabetes. Van Robinson, Former Chairman and
Secretary of NYCM Insurance on the left, V. Daniel Robinson II, President and
CEO of NYCM Insurance in the center, and Cheryl Robinson, Executive Vice
President and COO, on the right. When asked about the Tour de Cure and what
this event means to him,
Dan had this to share, “The Tour De Cure is something we do every year. It’s a
great opportunity for friends and family to come together, get some exercise,
and support each other. It means a lot to those of us who have diabetes
ourselves, to see the outreach and the support firsthand.”
“Personally,
I ride because of my family
history with diabetes and a fear that someday I too may be
diagnosed,” says Kathleen Crossett of our Distribution Team. “It’s such a
difficult disease and it affects so many people.” Kathleen shares that she has
seen firsthand just how much damage this disease can cause on the body, and the
toll it can take on your mentality.
“My mother lost most of her eyesight and dealt with many other complications
before passing away. I ride
because I don't want to see that happen to anyone else.”
Kathleen also states that she knows how important it is that she does her part
in helping raise money to find ways to cure this disease. Each new person that
signs up for the Tour de Cure, or who makes a contribution,
pushes us one step closer.
JB Harbison of our Special
Investigation Unit has been riding in Tour de Cure for years and is very
passionate about the cause. “I have family members, as well as close friends,
who struggle with this disease -- and let me tell you, it’s no joke. I have
actually had several loved
ones pass away due to complications from diabetes,” shares
JB. “My passion for raising both awareness
and money stems from that loss. I ride for those who cannot ride for themselves
and in memory of those who have succumbed to diabetes. I am grateful to NYCM
for their continued support
for this cause.”
“Diabetes became
personal to me when I was a child and my father became a Type II
diabetic,” says Kathy Wagner of our Special Investigation Unit. “It is a
progressive disease, and my father did eventually pass away from related
complications in 2009. I support the American Diabetes Association because they
provide education and resources for people like my dad
while also supporting research for new medications and treatments for both Type
I and Type II diabetics. I have ridden the 10-, 15-, 32-, and 40-mile rides
with help from my friend and coworker JB. Over the years, we have raised money and supported other riders and walkers
as well. It’s always so nice to see NYCM’s support in sponsoring this cause.”
Team NYCM will be
riding virtually to support the American Diabetes
Association this year in hopes to raise awareness and funds for those who are
battling against diabetes.
To learn more about
the American Diabetes Association or about donating to the cause, check out
this link!
