[Updated 8 pm Feb 10 09, Deadline extended Feb 12, 09]

My wife, Christina, is riding in this years Tour de Cure. She rode last year [photos] and has taken a personal challenge to step it up and is taking on the 50 mile ride this go around. She is also stepping up the fundraising goals this year. Last year, 22 miles and $175. This year, 50 miles and $1000. Here is her appeal:

I recently accepted the challenge of cycling in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure fund-raising event. The Tour de Cure is a series of cycling events held in over 80 cities nationwide. The Tour is a ride, not a race; it features different route lengths from a leisurely 10-mile course to a demanding 100-mile journey. I have committed to the 50 mile ride which will take place on February 22nd.

I am asking you to help by supporting my fund-raising efforts with a donation. Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference in the lives of more than 20 million Americans who suffer from diabetes and another 54 million people in the United States with pre-diabetes. If present trends continue, one out of every three Americans born today will eventually develop diabetes which also intensifies the urgency for research in prevention.

It is also a personal event in that Christina has been Type I diabetic for almost ten years now. You would never know it by looking at her and seeing her as she lives her life. This is in large part due to advances in treatment, some of which has been funded by the American Diabetes Association. But how she became diabetic is also endemic of the challenges the disease still presents. Unlike the high publicity of overweight and elder victims, she merely had a case of pneumonia and came out with the "sugar".

This is where you come in. I have a FOWA ticket. [UPDATE: it is only for the conference day on the 24th, does not include workshops] I was going to simply extend out my stay in Miami after Bar/Wordcamp. Two An additional day[s] of great workshops and incredible talks by some of the web application developers. Couldn't resist.

But, in order for Christina to meet her goals I am willing to trade my ticket for help from you on her quest. The contest is simple, the ticket goes to whoever donates the most to Christina's ride. Minimum is $25. You can donate as much as you want or as many times if you see someone has beat you. I will add them together.

Simply go to the site: http://main.diabetes.org/goto/christinawelch

Follow the link to donate. It is secure and takes credit cards. It also sends me an email as confirmation but no contact info. So the last thing you have to do is drop me a line at: