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Diabetes is a serious public health concern in the United States, and it tends to be fairly prevalent here in Suffolk.

That’s why we feel it is especially appropriate that this region’s version of the American Diabetes Association’s big annual fundraiser, the Tour de Cure, happens right here in Suffolk, which has been the event’s home for quite a few years now.

No cure has been found for diabetes, but after a century of progress in treatments — the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin is coming up in 2021 — experts know much more about how to treat and manage the disease and are aware of the risk factors.

The ADA is an organization that is dedicated to spreading awareness of prevention and early detection. It funds research and advocates for diabetics who may be discriminated against because of their condition, such as at work, for example.
We urge everyone who has a stake in the fight against diabetes — and when you get right down to it, that truly is everyone — to support the Tour de Cure this year. There are lots of ways you can get involved, whether it’s through riding, walking or running; volunteering at the event; sponsoring through your business; or perhaps donating to a friend who’s raising money.

The Hampton Roads Tour de Cure on May 2 at the Suffolk Executive Airport will have routes for both cyclists and runners. There will be 12-, 30-, 50-, 62- and 100-mile routes for cyclists, a timed 5K for runners, and a one-mile route for both runners and walkers.

The registration fee is $30 through the day of the event. The fundraising minimum will be $250 for each cyclist, $100 for each walker and runner, and $50 for participants ages 12 and younger.

The fundraising goal for this year’s Hampton Roads Tour de Cure is $500,000. As of Friday evening, about $183,687 has been raised for the event, with 66 teams and 403 total registered participants.

For more information, visit the 2020 Hampton Roads Tour de Cure website at diabetes.org/hrtdc, or contact Robin Kantor via email at rkantor@diabetes.org, or by calling 424-6662 ext. 3269.