Sunday, April 3, 2011

Please join me in supporting the Humphreys Diabetes Center

Please join me in supporting the Humphreys Diabetes Center as I prepare to run the Boston Marathon on April 18th.   HDC is a non-profit organization that provides education and treatment to those affected with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  Click here for donation form Please mention your donation is to support Ryan Anderson. 
(From the HDC website) Humphreys Diabetes Center, Idaho’s diabetes center of excellence, provides education in diabetes self-management and prevention to people with or at-risk for diabetes, their families and health care professionals.

Trusted by over 600 Treasure Valley referring physicians, the Center provides services to more than 4,000 clients each year. Working with our experienced Certified Diabetes Educators, clients learn how to manage diet, exercise and medication to stay healthy and prevent complications such as heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. HDC programs are recognized by the American Diabetes Association.

HDC also participates in national research trials for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.  For an overview of all the good work we do, review our 2009 Community Report.

Michelle's fathers funeral April 28, 2007
 
My first experience with Humphreys was in the spring of 2008 at a health fair sponsored by my employer Idaho Power.  Humphreys was giving a presentation on nutrition and exercise.  It was a real eye opener for me because I had no idea about either of those two subjects at that time. 

Diabetes has affected our family a number of times which makes this a very personal fund raising opportunity.  My wife Michelle was diagnosed as pre-diabetic in the summer of 2003.  She was prescribed medication and instructed by her doctor to improve her nutrition and control her weight.  Her father had diabetes and died at the age of 67 from a heart attack.

In 1994, my mother Kathleen donated a kidney to my cousin Craig who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was about twenty years old.  At the time of the kidney transfer Craig was 40 years old and had been living with diabetes for about 20 years.  Craig was married and had four children at home at the time.  The transplant gave him another 8 and a half years to help raise his family before he succumbed to the challenges of diabetes.

Race to Robie Creek April 17, 2010
I always thought I was healthy because I never went to the doctor.  Looking back, I think I was one doctor visit away from a pre-diabetic diagnosis myself.

In April 2009, Michelle and I began to take control of our health and weight.  By mid February of 2010 Michelle had lost 100 pounds and I had lost 135 pounds.  Michelle is no longer on medication and no longer pre-diabetic.

Running has provided me a wonderful outlet for controlling my weight and improving my health.  I hope my Boston Marathon run will be an inspiration to those that struggle with their weight and health.  My goal is that it might give someone the hope that they too can do anything they set their mind to.

Michelle and I both feel wonderful and would be honored if you would join us in supporting the Humphreys Diabetes Center and their mission of education and prevention.

If you would like to follow my progress with live updates during the race you can sign up for text message or email alerts at the Boston Athletic Association website.  You will need my bib number which is 6143

Donations of any amount would be greatly appreciated.  Please mention your donation is to support Ryan Anderson.  Thank you for your support. 
Click here for donation form




2 comments:

  1. Ryan, this is so well done. Thank you for the support!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just read this and saw the pictures. At first I didn' realize the 2 people in the first picture were the same people in the second. I guess in alot of ways they are different. OMG!!
    Congratulations and thank you for sharing such an inspiring true story. Holy Cow!! Stand proud!

    ReplyDelete

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