INDEPENDENT HEALTH WILL SERVE AS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE BUFFALO CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION’S TOUR DE CURE FOR A 5TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

The ADA also announced an additional 30 local, regional and national sponsors will support the 22nd Annual Tour de Cure with financial and in-kind donations

Amherst, N.Y. - Independent Health will serve at the Presenting Sponsor of the 22nd Annual American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure cycling event, with Michael W. Cropp, M.D., IH President and CEO, named Honorary Chair.

This year’s Tour de Cure will take place June 8, 2013 with more than 1,000 riders of all abilities expected to participate. In 2012, 970 riders raised $370,271. The fund-raising goal for this year’s Tour is $394,000 and 1,100.

“I am pleased to be the Honorary Chair of the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure. At Independent Health, we are committed to improving the health and wellness of individuals with diabetes. The Tour de Cure is a great way for Western New Yorkers to improve their health, raise awareness and support a great cause,” said Dr. Cropp.

Dr. Cropp, a veteran cyclist, will lead a team of more than 75 riders from Independent Health along the scenic Niagara County course.

“The continued support and participation of Independent Health as Presenting Sponsor, along with all our other corporate sponsors, teams and individual riders brings us another step closer to finding a cure for diabetes. Having over 1,000 people rallying around and raising money in support of all people living with diabetes in Western New York really is quite a statement,” says Jill Bakeman, Manager of the Tour de Cure.

To date, 611 riders, including 65 teams, have registered, pledging $140,023, putting the event on a solid pace. Each rider pays a $25 registration fee and pledges to raise a minimum of $150 to help Stop Diabetes.

The ADA also announced its other 2013 Tour de Cure Sponsors, including: Praxair, Verizon Wireless, Uncle Bob’s Storage, Novo Nordisk, Rite-Aid, Fleet Maintenance, Phillips Lytle LLP, WGR 550 Sports Radio, Great Lakes Health System of WNY, M&T Bank, Walgreens, Ingram Micro, HealtheLINK, Applied Sciences Group, Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP, General Motors and Wine World.

In-kind sponsors include: Million Grins Entertainment, Chobani Greek Yogurt, Coca-Cola, James Desiderios, Inc. Fruit and Produce, Mary’s Gone Crackers, Mayer Bros., Sahlen’s, SniKiddy Snacks, Starbucks, Subway, Tim Horton’s and SWIRLS Market Café, Welch’s and New York Institute of Masssage.

The ADA serves over 140,000 persons with type I and II diabetes in Western New York, where approximately 10 percent of the local population suffers from the life-threatening disease. Local cases counts exceed the national average and are increasing annually. The ADA estimates that by 2020, 50 percent of local residents will be living with diabetes.

The Buffalo Tour de Cure, starting and finishing at Niagara County Community College, features pastoral and Lake Ontario-view routes of different lengths for riders of all skill levels. There's something for everyone from a leisurely 6-mile Family route, all the way up to the challenge of the 62.5-mile Metric Century and 100-mile Century rides.

All Tour de Cure routes are safe and fully supported with route marshals, SAG vehicles, mechanical support, and rest stops stocked with hydration and a variety of snacks to keep you fueled. At the finish, you will be welcomed with cheering volunteers, great food, massage therapists, music and more.