Cyclists ride to find cure for diabetes

By KATHRYN SHERANKO Eagle Staff Writer

June 20, 2007 Last Updated: June 20, 2007 02:15 PM Community

Annual event set Sunday

JACKSON TWP — Hundreds of members of nearly 50 teams will line up on Sunday for the 10th annual American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure.

But when the half-dozen or so members of Matt's Cruise-Aiders arrive, everyone will take notice.

Sporting matching lime green T-shirts, the bicycle team would have trouble hiding anywhere.

Team leader Cheryl Gilliland of Butler learned from other team charity events that matching uniforms create unity and help keep group members together.

When the Cruise-Aiders arrived for their first Tour deCure in 2005, they realized that finding one another would be easier than anticipated.

"I had these bright green shirts made with team name, but hardly anyone else did," Gilliland said. "I thought 'Oh, don't we stick out like a sore thumb.'"

Albeit a sore green thumb.

Last year the Cruise-Aiders raised $5,782, more than 5Z\x times above their first-year total of $1,018.

"I think it's impressive how much she increased (fundraising) from her first year," said Nicole Sperduto, associate director and Tour de Cure coordinator for the American Diabetes Association.

"She makes her team stand out mostly because she does it alone."

Many teams are formed through companies, which then fundraise for the team, Sperduto said.

Gilliland holds community events year-round for the Cruise-Aiders, which she formed in honor of her son Matthew, who turned 13 last week. He was diagnosed with Type Idiabetes in September 2004.

"After he was diagnosed, we got a grip on how our life was going to change," Gilliland said.

A longtime participant of events such as the March of Dimes and Walk America, Gilliland realized the Tour de Cure would benefit Matt directly.

OnSunday, supporters will gather at the starting line to ride in either the 30-mile, 20-mile or 8-mile rides through Harmony and Zelienople.

After completing 20 miles in 2006, Gilliland said Matt will ride 30 miles this year with an insulin pump and a temp basal, which regulates the rate at which the body absorbs insulin during increased activity.

Matt also keeps supplies on his bike in case something happens, she said.

"Matt's really good, he manages it really well," said his mother.

And, as has become tradition, Matt's uncle, Gary Vanasdale, Gilliland's brother-in-law, will race Matt to the finish line.

Who wins each year is up for debate, Gilliland said.

Either way, Matt's father, Brad, and his grandparents from Florida will gather with other family and friends at the start/finish line under a canopy to cheer them on.

Last year the team placed second in the Pittsburgh area in the Friends and Family ride, Gilliland said.

The American Diabetes Association lists Matt's Cruise-Aiders second in fundraising in 2006 with $5,782 and Matt sixth in top individuals with $3,547.

Gilliland said the team is on pace to meet last year's totals and has already exceeded this year's goal of $2,500.

She also has recruited more than a dozen co-workers from Target in Butler to help behind the scenes with setting up, tearing down, registration and at rest stops.

"They're always there for me if I need anything," she said.