Pedaling for 50 miles on a bicycle would be an accomplishment for most, but for an 11-year-old with Type 1 diabetes, it is about more than just the ride.
Sydney Steinhardt, of Guilderland, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during the week of Halloween when she was 8 years old. It’s been three years since she was diagnosed and she is preparing for her third year riding in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure. The local race kicks off at Saratoga Springs High School on Sunday, June 2.
“For an 8-year-old to be diagnosed the week of Halloween is probably one of the worst things that can happen,” her father, Scott, said. “I am constantly amazed with her and how she handles this with such poise and dignity.”
Ever since Sydney was first diagnosed, she has given herself the required insulin shot, which her father said “speaks to the kind of person that she is.”
Sydney wasn’t really interested in joining the tour at first when her father suggested it, but after her friends decided it was a cool idea she joined in, Scott said. The first year there was 30 riders on her team and they raised around $15,000. The following year, the riders doubled up and raised around $20,000.
The distance Sydney has tackled also has increased annually. She did 10 miles her first year as a Red Rider, or a Tour de Cure rider who has Type 1 or 2 diabetes, then 25 miles and this year is eyeing the 50-mile mark.
“She looks forward to it every year and we have a large team,” her mother, Sandy, said. “She likes being a Red Rider that day and she likes the special recognition of being a Red Rider.”
Another Guilderland native, Erin Parks, is also looking forward to riding again this year.
Parks, a 25-year-old living in Glenmont, had just started her fall semester as a senior at Syracuse University when she started noticing symptoms. In a little more than two weeks she lost around 20 pounds, but doctors didn’t diagnose her correctly at first.
“I was thirsty all the time and very lethargic and tired, so I went to the doctor’s a few times and they said it was just a virus at first,” Parks said.
Both Parks and Sydney Steinhardt didn’t have any family history of diabetes, so the diagnosis was a surprise to both families.
Parks said she was glad it was “something very manageable” and was happy to start addressing the problem to feel better.
“I just always have to be prepared and make sure I have extra insulin on hand and something to eat, or some juice in case my blood sugar gets a little bit low,” Parks said.
Parks said she checks her blood sugar level about six times daily, typically before and a few hours after a meal. The first year she did injections, but she now uses an insulin pump to help manage her diabetes.
Sandy Steinhardt said she makes sure Sydney understands that having diabetes is not what defines her.
“My biggest struggle with her as a parent is making sure she continues to be an 11-year-old,” Sandy Steinhardt said. “She can’t just be like a regular kid outside playing all day. … It is a constant thing that she has to deal with.”
Scott Steinhardt said Sydney remained a competitive swimmer after being diagnosed. The year of her diagnosis she won a state title in the freestyle eight and under category.
Sydney, a Pine Bush Elementary student, will also be joined, adults from her school community, with five of her teachers, principal, and school nurse riding on her team, “Sydney’s Spinners.”
Parks, who formed Team Parks, said education and awareness are big aspects of Tour de Cure, besides raising funds for the ADA.
“A lot of people don’t know the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 and how much money is spent on diabetes each year,” Parks said.
The event also helps people with diabetes connect with others to share experiences and support.
“You know that the things you are experiencing are normal,” Parks said.
For more information on the event and to donate to a specific rider or team, visit tour.diabetes.org and click on “Find your local tour.”