INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Tour de Cure raises thousands each year for the American Diabetes Association.
The event is a bit different this year, but it still has the same goal — to get you moving, and to raise awareness for diabetes.
When you donate to Tour de Cure, you are giving to diabetes research and aiding the American Diabetes Association in helping those who live with the disease.
But, 17-year-old Jesi Hall wants you to know that money you donate does so much more.
"I'm going on ten years of being a diabetic," Hall said.
Hall was seven-years-old when she was diagnosed with type one diabetes. She says her family didn't know much about the disease, so they got involved with the ADA.
"Just as kind of a safe place you know… 'cause I didn't know anyone who had type one diabetes," Hall said.
Through the ADA, she learned about their annual summer camp. "I started going, obviously, when I was in second grade, and I've gone ever since," Hall said.
Hall said along with making life-long friends, the camp showed her at a young age she wasn't alone in her battle against type one diabetes.
"I struggled with that a lot because there was no one in my hometown that had this, so seeing a bunch of different people and being so close with them and being able to relate to them more than you can relate to anyone else that you are around is so awesome," Hall said.
Hall's passion for the camp is another reason she's involved in Tour de Cure.
"Not everyone is as fortunate as I was to be able to go to camp," she said. "It is very close to my heart to be able to raise money for kids who cannot afford to go to be able to go."
And Hall hopes that just because the event is different this year, people will still participate.
"Don't let the circumstances change what would normally happen. Just get out. Stay active. Do your part," Hall said.
Tour de Cure will host their annual event on June 6 on Facebook Live.
