hoods better to tell their stories than - Allegheny West Magazine

RIDING FOR DIABETES
November 11, 2011 was a big day for the world. Everybody made
a big deal out of 11/11/11, and a movie with that same title
premiered in theaters that day. For Mark Whaley, 11/11/11 was not
about superstitions or lucky numbers. It was the day
his life changed. On 11/11/11
Mark was diagnosed with
Type I diabetes.
Although it was acute
pancreatitis that led Mark to
the emergency room, he was
experiencing diabetes-like
symptoms. He had extreme
thirst, sweats, blurred vision,
and waking up feeling sick. He
would play softball and get
sore and tire out easily, and it
took him longer to heal from
minor injuries.
Before being diagnosed with
Type I diabetes, Mark very
quickly ran out of energy,
because “the body does not
produce insulin, a hormone
needed to convert sugar, starches
and other food into energy
needed for daily life,” according
to the ADA Web site.
Since being diagnosed with
diabetes, Mark, who lives in North
Fayette Township and is the sales
manager at Deihl’s Automotive
(formerly Mick’s Dodge-Chrysler-
Jeep in Robinson), joined the Red
Riders, a team of diabetics who ride
in the Tour de Cure every year. The
Tour de Cure is a biking event fundraiser for the American
Diabetes Association (ADA). This year, the event was held on
June 24, and of the 600 riders, about 50 of them were Red Riders.
“I wanted to show people with diabetes that they can exercise
and live a normal, healthy life,” said Mark.
After his diagnosis, Mark read a book, “My Diabetes Organizer”
by Gina Barbetta and Valerie Rossi, which encouraged him to join
the ADA. He also wanted to get involved with the cause as much
as possible. So he used the ADA Web site as a huge source of
information. That is how Mark found out about the Tour de Cure
and the Red Riders, and the other big ADA event, the Step Out
walk.
Mark also found answers to his many questions on the ADA
message boards. Since Type I diabetes is the rarer type of diabetes
– only 5% of diabetics are Type I – not many people know too
much about it. However, through the message boards, Mark was
able to connect with other diabetics and gain more information.
However, Mark learned how to live as a healthy diabetic. He had
34 Allegheny West Magazine September/October 2012
ABOVE: Gregg Frank and Mark Whaley at the Tour de Cure.
BY EMILY BASTAROLI
PHOTO SUBMITTED
to completely change his diet, and continues to exercise. He
also has two types of insulin shots he uses every day, and he
has to consistently check his glucose levels.
“I start and end my day by making
my finger bleed and giving myself an
injection,” Mark jokes.
Although being diagnosed with
diabetes has changed his life, he
remains positive, and does all he can
to help other diabetics and friends
and family of diabetics. Mark said he
dedicates a good portion of his
Facebook page to diabetes
information, support, advice, and
events. He also tries to encourage
other diabetics to get involved with
the Red Riders to not only help the
cause, but to help them stay
healthy. Because it is difficult
living with diabetes, and hard to
control the disease, it is harder for
diabetics to ride the lengthy
courses in the Tour de Cure.
However, Mark never gave up or
got discouraged.
“Hundreds of people are
reaching out to me,” Mark says
as he talks about all the people
asking him for advice on
Facebook. He genuinely cares
about helping others suffering
from diabetes, as well as their
family and friends, because his
family, friends, girlfriend, and
co-workers have been so supportive of him.
Mark encourages others to sign up for the Tour de Cure. For
the diabetics, they can become a Red Rider and non-diabetics
can join Team Red to help support the cause. This year, his first
year as a Red Rider, Mark raised over $4,000 for diabetes
research. The average amount raised is $400.
And, he went from being hospitalized with acute pancreatitis
and being diagnosed as a diabetic to being an Ultimate
Champion for Diabetes and wearing the #11 on his Red Rider
jersey, all in seven months. He rode and completed the 30-mile
course in this year’s Tour, and plans to ride the 50-mile course
next year.
Explains Mark, “I am not alone. Sometimes diabetes is a
lonely disease because people don’t understand it. When you
see another Red Rider, you know you’re not alone. Also, nondiabetics
are showing their support.”
“I’ve kind of become a champion of diabetes,” Mark says
with a huge smile on his face.
To get involved and for more information, visit
www.diabetes.org.