Biking for A Cure
U-M students ride cross-country for diabetes
Ateam of students from the University of Michigan took the
biggest ride of their lives this summer — a 3,500-mile bicycle
trip through 13 states from San Francisco to New York City.
The goal: to increase awareness for diabetes — a condition
that affects 16 million Americans and is the seventh leading
cause of death in the United States — and raise funds for
diabetes research and education projects along the way.
The journey began June 11, 2001, and took about eight weeks.
The team traveled between 50 and 70 miles per day along the
historic Lincoln Highway, which meanders through mountain passes
and deserts, across the Great Plains, and near major metropolitan
areas.
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Team DAX members were introduced to U-M
Regents at their July 20 meeting by U-M
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and Health
System CEO Gil Omenn and were recognized for their efforts
to increase awareness about diabetes. Pictured in front
of the Fleming Building, left to right, are second-year
medical students Andrew Heyman and Aaron Daniel; Kevin
Lochner; second-year medical student Cara Kettler; Gil
Omenn; and Barbara Behling.
Photo: Martin Vloet
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"To us, this was kind of an emotional journey, maybe
even more so than a physical one," says Andrew Heyman,
a second-year student at the U-M Medical School, and one of
the founders of Team DAX — for Diabetes Awareness Cross-country. "I
think, in some way, this trip was symbolic of what people
with diabetes have to go through every single day. Each of
us brought our own special reasons for doing this which, combined,
were a source of strength for all of us to reach our goal."
During their journey, the students stopped at diabetes treatment
and education centers recognized by the American Diabetes Association.
Team members kept a daily diary of their adventures and posted
photos on their Web site.
For information on how to support Team DAX, email TeamDax@umich.edu
or visit their Web
site.
- Valerie Gliem
 
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