EPiC Journey Against Diabetes

Rotary Staff, Chicagoland Rotarians and Friends are sending Edwin Velarde off on his Epic Journey Against Diabetes.  Edwin is raising awareness about the Global Diabetes Epidemic and raising funds for Rotarian Action Group for Diabetes.

Gathering at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, June 13th, 2018 at Rotary Headquarters, One Rotary Center, Evaston Ilinois USA.

The group of bicyclists made up of the Rotary Staff, Chicagoland Rotarians and Friends with Edwin, will head towards the Greater Humboldt Park Diabetes Empowerment Center for a Lunch & Learn as Edwin speaks to a group in a Diabetes Health Education Session scheduled at 12 noon.  Edwin will discuss the diabetes condition, talk about strategies in managing blood glucose level and challenges of living with diabetes.  As someone living with diabetes, Edwin will share some of his personal strategies which have allowed him to gain new energy and engage in long distance cycling.

Kristin Brown, President of Rotary of Evanston Lighthoue (2018-2019) said, “Edwin uses his love of cycling and Rotary to raise awareness about diabetes, cycling from Busan to Seoul in 2016 and from Chicago to Atlanta in 2017.”  Kristin, a member of the Board of Directors of Rotary Fellowship of Cycling to Serve (USA/CAN) rode the Epic Send-Off Ride in 2017 which was hosted by Rotary of Chicago/ONE from the Rotary Centenial Garden ajacent to the Adler Planetarium.  She is riding again to send Edwin off from One Rotary Center on June 13th.

Also joining to send Edwin off is Tom Drennan, D-6060 Governor Nominee Designate (2020-2021) and member of the Board of Directors of Rotary Fellowship of Cycling to Serve (USA/CAN).  Tom, Kristin and Edwin participated in the 2017 Ride to End Polio in Tucson, AZ.

Barry McKeown from Rotary of Naperville, a member of the Board of Directors for Rotarian Action Group for Diabetes will be joining the Epic Journey Kick-Off Ride.  Barry along with other Directors, Dr. Larry Deeb & Harry Glidden will be meeting Edwin in Toronto.  RAG-Diabetes invites everyone to their booth at the House of Friendship in the Rotary International Convention.

After the Lunch & Learn in Humboldt Park, the group will ride south to Hyde Park to enjoy each others company and the beautiful lakefront weather of Chicago.

Over the next week, Edwin will ride across Indiana and Michigan.  In Portage-Kalamazoo Area, Rotary of Portage will welcome Edwin.  Crossing into Ontario on June 16th at which time Edwin will be welcomed by Rotary of Sarnia.  A group of Rotarian cyclists will join the Epic Journey Against Diabetes for the final leg on Friday, June 22nd, from Niagara Falls to the Metro-Toronto Convention Center.

Let us know if you would like to be part of the Kick-Off for Epic Journey Against Diabetes, any part of the Journey or want to know more about how you can support the work of Rotarian Action Group for Diabetes.