Spirit Jersey
Here's Melissa sporting her JDRF Spirit Jersey. She was awarded this jersey at the 2016 Amelia Island Ride. She was selected to receive the JDRF Spirit Jersey for exemplifying the "Spirit" of the ride.
T1D Champion
In early 2017, he was selected by JDRF International as a T1D Champion. The online article states "Chad was diagnosed with type 1 #diabetes just days before his second birthday in 1974. Back then, glucose control and decisions about insulin doses were based on testing urine collected from his diapers. His projected life span and likelihood of complications was statistically bleak. Chad has been an avid biker since he was little. He has raced BMX, mountain bikes and recently Single Speed Mountain Bike competition. Chad completed the Death Valley Ride 10 times as well as other JDRF rides. In 2016, he lost most of his vision in the right eye as a result of #T1D complications. While training for a JDRF 2016 ride - he endured an arduous series of monthly injections in his right eye to restore his vision. Despite 48 years of trials and tribulations with T1D, Chad remained steadfast to not letting T1D limit him. He served as an example to others who needed inspiration. For that, we consider Chad a T1D Champion."
More about dad
Dad may be turning 77 this ride season - but he is determined to ride as well as mentor new ride coaches and new riders when ever he can. He made a promise to Chad and Melissa to keep on riding until T1D is cured.