Tour de Cure Event
Orlando, Florida
February 22, 2009

Did you know?

• 17.9 million children and adults in America have been diagnosed with diabetes.
• 5.7 million are unaware that they have the disease.
• Most people with Diabetes have increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

And the statistics go on and on. 

This is our story about our small part in the huge effort to increase awareness and find cures for Diabetes.

Everyone who rode by her cheered and said ,  “You’re doing great.”  “How many miles have you ridden?”  “Go girl!”  It took her almost 3 hours to ride 22 miles in the ‘Tour de Cure’ ride for Diabetes in Orlando on February 22.  Her 8 year old little legs peddled and peddled.  Not once did she complain or say she was tired.  Her 11 year old brother was cheered on as well as he completed the miles in about 2 ½ hours.  They knew it was for a great cause and as soon as they finished the ride said they want to ride more miles next year!

These children I am writing about are my grandchildren, Harmony and Christopher.  Last fall their step dad, Chris, approached me about Euro Day Spa sponsoring a team for the ‘Tour de Cure,’ the bicycling event for the American Diabetes Association.  He would be our team captain and would ride the ‘century’ (100 miles) as they call it.  We talked to the children about it and immediately were willing to be part of the team.  So every few weeks since then, my wonderful man friend, Jerry, and the children have gone to the West Orange Trail to trek as many miles as they, or grandma, could ride. The stops at a wonderful little French restaurant for tuna sandwiches and ice cream made our goal for the day even more enticing and fun.

Meanwhile, back at the spa, we decided to launch services designed to enhance circulation and create relaxation for those dealing with the early stages of Diabetes.  Heather, who happens to be Chris’ wife, and has been an esthetician at the spa for many years, designed the services and did the training for the staff.  We are using the Pure Figi-Dilo Nut- product that is excellent for inflammation and pain.

Then 2 more of our staff members, Dyani and Jill, decided to ride the 20 miles with us.  So Team Euro Day Spa became a mighty army of 7 riders from age 8 to 67. 

Until March 31 the raffles at the spa are still part of our campaign.  For a $3.00 donation you receive a ticket for a $100 gift card from Euro Day Spa.  Dyani and Jill are also offering pedicures in their raffle drawing.  They are both fantastic and caring technicians, certainly worth the $3.00 for a try at their services.

If you would like to donate to Team Euro Day Spa or any particular person on the team, please do so by March 31, 2009.  Go to www.diabetes.org   Then community programs, local events.  Then  Tour de Cure.  Then FL and Team Euro Day Spa or any team member.  They accept any credit card and would be thrilled to have even small amounts to help fight this dreaded disease.

Thank you for your donation,

Lois Bearden,
 Owner, Euro Day Spa
& Very Proud Grandma

Christopher and Harmony preparing for the ride.

Lois, Jerry, Christopher and Harmony –off we go at the starting line.

The whole gang who rode and worked the booth. 
Christopher, Proud Mama --Heather Cullen-Candee, Team Captain—Chris Candee, Ryan Cullen—proud Papa, Harmony,  Grandma Lois Bearden,  Jerry Arsenault,  Dyani Genovese,  Jill Ramos