–By Armando Sultan–
An NJCU alumnus is gearing up for a bike trip across several states this summer to raise donations and awareness for the fight against diabetes, and he’s hoping some students will team up with him for the 550-mile ride.
Rafal Rogoza, 27, a political science major, who graduated in 2012, is hitting the road July 12th when The New England Classic 150 & 550 Tour de Cure takes off from Woburn, Massachusetts, and loops around the American northeast in a show of support for the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
“I’m ecstatic, it’s going to be a beautiful trip across a picturesque country and it’s all for a great cause,” said Rogoza, adding, “This is an experience you’re not going to find at a Caribbean resort.”
The Tour de Cure is a series of fundraiser cycling events held annually across 40 states with all donations going to the ADA. What sets the New England Classic ride apart from the others is that it’s the only week-long event that takes the cyclists from Massachusetts, up the coast of Maine, west across New Hampshire and Vermont, and then back to the starting line in Woburn.
“Biking a hundred miles a day for several days is tough but I think fundraising is just as challenging,” said Rogoza, whose goal is to raise $2,600 before the ride begins. “You have to be patient and creative to bring the best out of people for a good cause. In the end, it’s fun and spiritually rewarding.”
An estimated 26 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with diabetes, a disease that prevents the body from producing or properly using insulin. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, and lower-limb amputations. What causes the disease is still a mystery, but genetics and an unhealthy lifestyle play a big role, according to the ADA’s website.
“Ideally, I would like to raise as much money as possible and it would be great to get a team of cyclists from NJCU to do this with me,” Rogoza said. “It’s an opportunity to get away from the city, explore the country and help out the ADA.”
This isn’t a first cycling event for Rogoza; he’s previously ridden in the Bicycling Fall Classic in eastern Pennsylvania, the Discover Hudson Valley Ride, and the TD Five Boro Bike Tour in New York. He’ll also be running in the Unite Half Marathon at Rutgers University this April.
“I used to smoke cigarettes and when I finally decided to quit I got into endurance sports to help me get over the habit. I instantly fell in love with cycling,” he said.
For more information about how to team up for the ride or to make a donation on Rogoza’s behalf to the ADA go to his facebook page, Ralfy’s Ride for Diabetes, or email him directly at [email protected].
