The starter gun sounds.

You start to pedal and realize you have 160 grueling miles of up and down tarmac ahead of you to reach your goal. What could cause you to want to ride from Campbell University in Buies Creek to The Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington?

You want to make a difference.

On Saturday, April 30, several hundred bicyclists began this weekend journey. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) hosted the race, "Tour de Cure," to raise money and awareness for diabetes education and research.

To participate, each person raised a minimum of $150 for the American Diabetes Association's research. Campbell had 49 riders participating in the "Tour de Cure." They raised $12,000 to give to the ADA.

"I am overjoyed with the response that we've had from the Campbell family and the surrounding community," said Dr. Thomas Holmes, "Tour de Cure" corporate chairperson. Holmes is the associate dean for Student Affairs in the School of Pharmacy at Campbell.

"Their generosity in supporting this event gives great encouragement to the riders when the route turns uphill, or when the wind is blowing in their face," he said.

The race began around 7:30 a.m. with bike inspection, helmet check and the fundraising money turned it. From there, cyclists followed a special route that was designed for them. Support vehicles drove beside the cyclists. Food, water and rest stops were provided along the way.

The race continued through Saturday and ended Sunday, bikers took a coach bus back to Buies Creek.

"This is a great event because it is the right matching of our interest in medical care and it is an opportunity for people to participate in fundraising," said Holmes.

UPDATE

Congratulations on the success of our bicycle riders for the American Diabetes Association "Tour de Cure" event held April 30 - May 1. There are still a couple of days left for donations to be turned in, but so far our team is leading the way with the total number of riders participating (54) AND the total contributions recorded (almost $20,000.00).

This weekend event was a spectacular success. The weather cooperated and 360 riders left the CU campus for their ride to Wilmington. Just about 40 of the CU team completed the entire 160 mile journey with some members placing in the top 10 percent of finishers. The support of Campbell University departments and individuals was impressive to all participants. Our University has met all expectations as a "center" for this activity. Our only challenge will be to continue this record of accomplishment in the future.

Please accept my personal thanks for supporting the American Diabetes Association and the School of Pharmacy in this fight to conquer a dreaded disease.

Sincerely,

Tom Holmes, Jr.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Campbell University School of Pharmacy