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Hampton Roads has one last chance to take a stand against diabetes.

For the past 30 years, the American Diabetes Association has hosted a cycling event to promote healthy living while raising money to find a cure for diabetes and do educational programs like Project Power and Imagine Camp, research and advocacy.

Most years, the tour would be a full-day, in-person event. Participants could talk to a panel, learn new recipes, listen to speakers and much more in a community gathering when they weren’t cycling, running or walking.

This year, like most events in the past year, will be a virtual event. Once pre-registered at diabetes.org/virginiatdc, participants will receive a link to the website to participate in the day’s events. The opening ceremony will start at 8:30 a.m. May 1, but the video will be up all day. Participants can post pictures and videos on Facebook and use #tourturns30 to share how they chose to tour virtually.

“Our 2021 Virtual Tour de Cure event is a great opportunity for everyone in Western Tidewater to sign up and set a goal to be more active,” said Deanie Eldridge, American Diabetes Association executive director. “With no registration fee for this year’s event, we hope that many residents will join us to safely ride, run or walk in their neighborhoods or homes, to promote overall health and wellness and help raise much-needed funds for diabetes research, advocacy and education/awareness efforts.”

Those participating can ride, walk or cycle in their neighborhoods or other favorite spots to safely distance themselves. Dana Stallings and her team, DiaTribe, made up of her family and some friends from work, plan to bike the Capital Trail from Jamestown to Richmond and back, totaling 104 miles.

“This will be our first time doing a century ride,” said Stallings. “We’ve done 10 miles, 25 miles and 65 miles. This year we are finally doing a century.”

As a diabetic nurse practitioner, Stallings is passionate about finding a cure and rides to find one for the patients she works with more than 40 hours a week. Stalling’s father also struggled with Type 1 diabetes for more than four decades, so she rides for him as well. Along with riding, Stallings has surpassed her $1,000 fundraising goal. 

“I encourage everyone to go to diabetes.org to register or donate for this great cause,” said Stallings. “Even if you are unable to donate your time, anything can go to help the millions of people living with this terrible disease.” 

To sign up, visit diabetes.org/virginiatdc. After registering, the online fundraising tools will help participants stay motivated while helping the 34 million Americans living with diabetes.