People with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) cannot live without continuous insulin therapy, delivered via multiple daily injections or insulin pump.  Out-of-pocket expenses for these patients and their families create disproportionate financial strain that is over 2 times the national average. 

According to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, 

“Over 40% of Barbara Davis Center patients are uninsured or underinsured. 

“On average, the first year of care for a newly diagnosed type 1 is $20,000. 

“Type 1 diabetes is the only disease where patients and caregivers are making life and death insulin dosing decisions, and they are doing it every hour of every day. 

“Diabetes is expensive. New Onset patients spend about $1,400 on education and appointment fees. Pump Therapy can create better control but can cost up to $1,200 each month. Insulin for children can cost about $300 a month. Testing 6-8 times a day is normal and all those test strips add up to about $300 a month.” 

Additionally, the overall health and quality of life for people with T1D is significantly improved with routine physical activity. 

Action sports, such as mountain biking, promote healthy living while also imbuing a sense of thrill and excitement for the participants; however, there are no such events focused on supporting the T1D community who could benefit significantly from such a program.

Master the Journey supports the T1D community by:

  • Offering a family-friendly mountain bike event to complement existing T1D community support events. 

  • Promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for the T1D community by encouraging participation in mountain biking and lowering barriers to entry through industry partnerships. 

  • Reducing financial strain on T1D patients and their families by directing event proceeds to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation Helping Hand Program.

If you are interested in supporting Master the Journey, please consider one of the following options:

  1. Make a donation to our event fundraiser page on GoGundMe.com.

  2. Make a donation to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation to help families affected by T1D. When completing the donation form, please indicate “Master the Journey” in the comments field so that we can track support and interest in this initiative.

  3. Visit the Master the Journey store, buy some swag, and help us build excitement for this initiative.

Master the Journey event operations are being managed in partnership with the Air Academy HS MTB Team and Fountain Valley School. We are striving to keep registration costs low by offsetting operating expenses with charitable donations.

Thank you for your support! Stay tuned for more information as we finalize event plans.