3rd Annual Heidee’s Ride for Diabetes Saturday
McDONOUGH – Nancy Peterson knows firsthand the pain of losing a loved one to diabetes. In 2007, her 30-year old daughter, Heidee, passed away from complications related to the chronic disease, which the American Diabetes Association estimates affects more than 23.6 million adults and children in the U.S. alone.
Her daughter’s death inspired Peterson to begin raising money to combat diabetes through an annual motorcycle ride, the idea for which she credits to her son, Heidee’s brother, Shane Willcox.
On Saturday, Aug. 7, the 3rd Annual Heidee’s Ride for Diabetes will be held in her memory. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the ADA and their efforts to find a cure for the disease.
Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of 3, Heidee struggled with the incurable disease her entire life. After giving birth to her son Isaiah in 2001, she developed a condition called gastroparesis, a neuropathy of the gastro-intestinal system. While normally non-life threatening, she did not respond to the normal course of treatment, and by 2004, she was spending much of her time in and out of the hospital.
According to Peterson, her daughter kept her chin up throughout the ordeal. The ADA was there for them during some of the toughest times, she said, and Heidee always wanted to give back to the organization. Now, her family is fulfilling that wish for her.
“There are a lot of other Heidees out there that might benefit,” said Peterson’s mother Elaine Daily, who is also actively involved with the effort, as are other family members.
According to Peterson, registration for the event will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. in the village parking lot behind the Stadium in Oxford. The cost to participate is $15 per motorcycle, with $10 for each passenger. Cars are also welcome, she said.
“The ride is going to leave at 10:30,” she said, describing the route as a scenic 100 mile ride through rural Chenango, Madison and Cortland counties. Riders will stop at Gilligan’s in Sherburne, the Georgetown Inn, the Cincinnatus Dairy Treat and Seeber’s Tavern in Smithville Flats before concluding the ride at the Balsam Inn in East Pharsalia.
But while the ride may end at the Balsam, there will be plenty of fun to follow. According to Peterson, the festivities will include food, a DJ, raffle prizes, a 50/50 and bike games, including a slow ride, keg roll and egg drop.
The event has evolved since it’s inception in 2008, according to the two women.
“It’s grown every year,” reported Daily, with participation increasing from around 60 the first year to 70 bikes and more than 150 people last year.
The money they’ve raised has also increased – from $1,800 in year one, to upwards of $3,000 in year two, according to Peterson.
“I’m hoping to go way over that this year,” she said.
To help meet their fundraising goal, this year they will be selling T-shirts, designed by Oxford graphic designer Mitch Cluff. She’s also encouraging people to get pledges and other donations prior to the event. As an incentive, the registration fee will be waived for anyone who raises over $100 for the cause.
“If they do, they’ll (also) get a free T-shirt,” she added.
For more information about the ride, visit www.rideforheidee.com or contact Peterson at 647-5015.
Her daughter’s death inspired Peterson to begin raising money to combat diabetes through an annual motorcycle ride, the idea for which she credits to her son, Heidee’s brother, Shane Willcox.
On Saturday, Aug. 7, the 3rd Annual Heidee’s Ride for Diabetes will be held in her memory. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the ADA and their efforts to find a cure for the disease.
Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of 3, Heidee struggled with the incurable disease her entire life. After giving birth to her son Isaiah in 2001, she developed a condition called gastroparesis, a neuropathy of the gastro-intestinal system. While normally non-life threatening, she did not respond to the normal course of treatment, and by 2004, she was spending much of her time in and out of the hospital.
According to Peterson, her daughter kept her chin up throughout the ordeal. The ADA was there for them during some of the toughest times, she said, and Heidee always wanted to give back to the organization. Now, her family is fulfilling that wish for her.
“There are a lot of other Heidees out there that might benefit,” said Peterson’s mother Elaine Daily, who is also actively involved with the effort, as are other family members.
According to Peterson, registration for the event will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. in the village parking lot behind the Stadium in Oxford. The cost to participate is $15 per motorcycle, with $10 for each passenger. Cars are also welcome, she said.
“The ride is going to leave at 10:30,” she said, describing the route as a scenic 100 mile ride through rural Chenango, Madison and Cortland counties. Riders will stop at Gilligan’s in Sherburne, the Georgetown Inn, the Cincinnatus Dairy Treat and Seeber’s Tavern in Smithville Flats before concluding the ride at the Balsam Inn in East Pharsalia.
But while the ride may end at the Balsam, there will be plenty of fun to follow. According to Peterson, the festivities will include food, a DJ, raffle prizes, a 50/50 and bike games, including a slow ride, keg roll and egg drop.
The event has evolved since it’s inception in 2008, according to the two women.
“It’s grown every year,” reported Daily, with participation increasing from around 60 the first year to 70 bikes and more than 150 people last year.
The money they’ve raised has also increased – from $1,800 in year one, to upwards of $3,000 in year two, according to Peterson.
“I’m hoping to go way over that this year,” she said.
To help meet their fundraising goal, this year they will be selling T-shirts, designed by Oxford graphic designer Mitch Cluff. She’s also encouraging people to get pledges and other donations prior to the event. As an incentive, the registration fee will be waived for anyone who raises over $100 for the cause.
“If they do, they’ll (also) get a free T-shirt,” she added.
For more information about the ride, visit www.rideforheidee.com or contact Peterson at 647-5015.
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