Posted September 29,2005

     The battle against Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions. Almost everyone has a friend or family member affected by this disease. It is chronic and has no cure.

     My husband Bob has been an insulin dependent diabetic for almost forty years. Thanks to his diligent self-care, our children and now our grandchildren have watched this gentle caring man lead a fulfilling and productive life. Sadly, we are now watching him battle the progressive and insidious disease Alzheimer's heightened by his diabetes.

     As a family we have decided to crate "Team Bob Ritchie" and be part of The American Walk for Diabetes on Saturday, October 15, 2005 taking place at the Hatch Shell in Boston. We invite you, your families and friends to walk with us (bring the dog). TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

     To become a team member or make donations in Bob's name got to www.diabetes.org/walk. From the Home page click "sign up" to be a team member or "sponsor a walker" to make a donation to the team, select the State then the Site (Boston, October 15), for donations enter the walkers name "Team Bob Ritchie" or click "Join an existing Team" to become a team member. Or you can mail your donations to my home address listed above, make checks payable to American Diabetes Association.

     Thank you for any contribution you make to a cause very dear to our hearts, Jo, Bob & all the Ritchie's.