Saline River Chronicle

Tour de Tomato bicycle event making a huge impact in the community for those suffering with type 1 diabetes

The “Tour de Tomato” is a bicycle ride through Bradley County that happens the week before the Pink Tomato Festival. This past year was the 3rd installment of this fast-growing event. They had 180 riders and look to be over 200 for next year!

The purpose of the event is to raise money for Type 1 diabetes awareness and supplies for Bradley County. With the proceeds they have purchased and assembled over 30 “emergency glucose kits” that have several types of glucose sources (powders, liquids, and gels) to help bring someone’s blood sugar back up if they experience a low. There are also glucometers, lancets, and many items to help treat someone with type 1 diabetes at that location if the need arises. The bags will be placed at every school in Bradley County, along with churches, the Donald W. Reynolds YMCA of Warren and Bradley County, the Warren Branch Library, and the Bradley County Courthouse.

Pictured are the Tour de Tomato chairpersons Karen and Randy Rawls along with their youngest son David Rawls (Josef Rawls not pictured). Leslie Adams and Vickie Tapia were also on hand from the Pink Tomato Festival.

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