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The Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) is a non-profit organization located in Denver, CO dedicated to the support of research in childhood diabetes and to providing the best possible clinical and educational programs for children with this disease.

The Foundation's mission is to raise funds to support programs at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes where more than 4,000 children and young adults from all over America and other countries currently receive care.




Our Story & Our Mission
Make a Difference
Updates: Be sure to follow our progress with our journal updates at the bottom of this page!



Deb and Katie on a rideSaturday, June 8th we began a 2,300-mile, 34-day bike ride entitled Pedaling for Diabetes 2002. The bike ride is from Denver, CO to Portsmouth, NH to raise money for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.

Thumbnail of Deb and Katie's Trip
click on Map
to see route

Specifically, we will be donating the funds we raise to Helping Hands, “camperships” and scholarships. Helping Hands is a program the CDF has established to provide diabetes-related medical supplies to underprivileged individuals. “Camperships” are scholarships that will allow young children with low socioeconomic status to attend weeklong diabetes camps. Scholarships will help young individuals with diabetes attend college.

I will be cycling across the United States with a very good friend of mine, Katie, who has had diabetes since the age of 4. After observing first-hand the wide range of diabetes-related challenges faced by Katie, I realize the difficulties that diabetics face on a daily basis. While this 2,300-mile bike ride will be the most physically challenging event of my life, it seems a small feat compared to what Katie and other diabetics face everyday.

We would like to thank the companies that have contributed to our Pedaling for Diabetes 2002 bike ride. Their willingness to support our ride demonstrates the importance of helping diabetic children achieve long-term health and a better quality of life.

Donate Here

We are inviting you to help us raise money for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Our fundraising challenge is to raise $15,000.

We are hoping that you will help us reach this goal. Thank you for supporting us in this challenge!

On The Road

June 11, 2002
Words from the road... we have just completed our fourth day of biking and everything is going really well! We are in the middle of Nebraska and on schedule (so far!). The most challenging elements have been the high temperatures and winds! Even with the heat and wind, we've managed to see some beautiful countryside and countless tractors, trains, snakes, prairie dogs... even a turtle that we rescued from the middle of the road! Until the next entry... we'll keep on pedaling!


June 12, 2002
Tonight we find ourselves in Dorchester, NE. Today we encountered temperatures in the 80's and low 90's, decreased headwinds and bugs-lots of bugs. At times we felt as though we were one of those pieces of fly paper they hang in the kitchens of the South-collecting all of the bugs on our arms and legs. We continually meet people along the route who want to hear about our trip and undoubtedly want to tell us about "adventures" they have taken in their lives- that has become a source of inspiration, comfort and entertainment. Tomorrow we hope to cross the Missouri River-we'll keep in touch.


June 17,2002
We've made it to Illinois!! Iowa proved to be a bit CHALLENGING... the moment we crossed the Missouri River, we saw a sign reading "Narrow Shoulder". Little did we know that there would be NO paved shoulder for the next 300 miles! However, traveling through the Mennonite communities was fascinating as they whizzed by us in their horse-drawn buggies. To date we've had one broken spoke, 2 flat tires and one lost pedal (don't ask!!). This morning we traveled across the Mississippi River into Illinois and were delighted to find paved shoulders again! The next few days will carry us into Indiana. We will keep you updated on the adventures that ensue!


June 19, 2002
Today we made it to Brook, Indiana... or at least we think so! There wasn't actually a sign saying we entered the state, but we made one ourselves! The only adventure that we've encountered since our last entry was that we've had to out-sprint numerous dogs that were MORE than eager to greet us. Katie was actually run down by an obese beagle... needless to say, her self-esteem dwindled! Last night we camped in Odell, IL where a generous man led us through town to the campground on his motor scooter while waving to his friends... as if we were in a parade! 'Til next time... happy trails!


June 22, 2002
We've pedaled our way to Bowling Green, Ohio! A few nights ago we had the pleasure of experiencing our first demolition derby in Hoagland, IN. We never imagined it would be standing room only in a town of 500 people! We have also crossed paths with other bikers making their way westward. We continue to run into generous people; we were invited to one person's graduation party the moment we arrived in town. We hope to make it up to the lakes soon for a cooler breeze... it sure has been hot and humid back here!


July 13, 2002
It is with sadness that I update our Pedaling for Diabetes 2002 website. On June 25, 2002 my dad, Dick Whitney, passed away suddenly. He was a great dad and friend and his absence is greatly felt by family and friends. He was full of life, health, laughter, and love for his family. Our family has been fortunate enough to have the endless support of each other and close friends. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and your help in this difficult time.