American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure Returns in person, united again across region

The 2022 American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure is back to an in-person event this year on Saturday June 11, at Xerox Campus in Webster. Riders across upstate New York, including the Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany regions, will unite for the second consecutive year to raise much-needed funds for diabetes research, education and advocacy. This year’s celebration begins with a kickoff party at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, at La Luna, 60 Browns Race, in Rochester. A virtual option will be available to attendees.

Renowned actor, producer, CEO and rising hip-hop artist Julian Brittano will deliver the keynote address. Brittano is perhaps best known for his role as “David the Bartender” in seasons 1 and 2 of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) hit show “Greenleaf.” Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2008, at the time he weighed 320 pounds and thought weight management alone would cure him.

“Fast forward to today, sepsis and gangrene forced me to make a decision,” Brittano said. “I would either lose a toe or save my life. I chose life. I then conditioned my mind to align with my goals and objectives, and knew my voice mattered. My story of recovery in two short months shocked my doctor. I believe my story will help others.”

Executive Director Jeff Collins said, “We’re beyond excited to welcome Julian and riders from across upstate New York in person after two years of participating virtually due to the pandemic. This will be the first time that riders will gather in person since the four communities joined forces last year. We couldn’t be happier to welcome them.”

The 2022 Tour de Cure: Upstate New York will encourage participants to focus on the three main components, including:

√ Committing to participate in person on event day at the event.

√ Continuing to fundraise, because the 34 million Americans with diabetes are counting on support of the ADA’s mission.

√ Celebrating the journey by posting, sharing and showcasing individual efforts on social media using the hashtag #WeRideTogether and tagging @AmDiabetesAssn to get featured. Join the conversation on the community Facebook group to stay connected.

Founded in Buffalo in 1991, Tour de Cure brings together thousands of riders in cities across America to raise much-needed funds to support diabetes research and provide education and advocacy for people living with diabetes and their families.

To register, go to diabetes.org/upstatetour.