Milton resident Darryl Boudreau knows how important to raise awareness for diabetes, which is why he continues to participate in the cycling fundraising event ‘Tour de Cure.’
Boudreau, 49, was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age. The diagnosis came after an incident, in which he and his parents thought was a simple case of influenza.
“I crawled to the bathroom went to the bathroom collapsed and my dad carried me to the hospital,” Boudreau said. “Fifteen minutes later I was in a coma.”
Fortunately, Boudreau survived the ordeal and to this very day considers himself fortunate to be alive.
“They pumped four gallons of water into me that night and I woke up two days later,” he said.
Since his diagnosis in the late 1970’s, Boudreau is thankful for the many advancements in diabetic monitoring devices.
“Due to the advancements, now I have an insulin pump, I got sensors that checks my blood sugar every five minutes,” he said. “Now I got an early warning system.”
In addition to the medical effects of being a diabetic, Boudreau said having diabetes can also lead to emotional changes.
“You can’t really control your emotions,” he said.
Regardless, Boudreau is thankful for his continued health.
“I never really imagined that I would make it this far and that is due to rides like the Tour de Cure, with all of the money that is raised,” he said.
Boudreau, who is an avid cyclist, continues to raise awareness for diabetes by participating in the cycling event, which serves as a fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association. Boudreau is thankful to those who continue support him in the local Tour de Cure event on March 21. The 2015 Gulf Coast Tour de Cure begins at the Margaritaville Beach Hotel in Pensacola.
“It’s real humbling when you’re at the tour and you see three, four, or eight hundred people out there riding for you,” he said. “It’s an amazing feeling.”
To learn more about Boudreau and to donate to his 'Tour de Cure' fund, visit bit.ly/1E0nhYB
What is Tour de Cure?
The Tour de Cure is a series of fundraising cycling events held in 44 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association. The Tour is a ride, not a race, with routes designed for everyone from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist. Whether you ride 10 miles or 100 miles, you will travel a route supported from start to finish with rest stops, food to fuel the journey and fans to cheer you on.
Each Tour de Cure event has its own character and style—from unique starting points to gorgeous scenery and more. Tour de Cure Gulf Coast happens March 21. For more information contact Lynne Cranford at 492-6100 or email her at lcranford@diabetes.org.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton resident shares inspiration for upcoming ‘Tour De Cure’