Local rider aims to turn a coast-to-coast trip into research dollars
A Richmond father is preparing to leave Virginia on July 15 for an ambitious cross-country bicycle ride to raise money for Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy.
Pat McAleer plans to pedal about 5,000 miles from La Push, Washington, to Virginia Beach, stopping in major cities along a northerly route before turning southeast toward home. The ride is a fundraiser for Breakthrough T1D, an organization that directs donations toward research on cures, prevention and improved treatments for Type 1 diabetes.
McAleer’s motivation is personal. His daughter, Mary Kate, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2009, a moment that propelled the family into activism and support work on the disease. He and his wife, Molly, have been involved with Breakthrough T1D since then and decided to use the ride to raise both money and awareness.
"When Mary Kate was diagnosed in 2009 and we knew nothing about it. I really, honestly, didn't know anything about it, and that was a big adjustment, and even more so, a big adjustment for her," McAleer said.
Fundraising, logistics and local ties
McAleer has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $250,000. As of July 10, donations were approaching $98,000. He says 100% of contributions will go directly to Breakthrough T1D; he and his wife are covering the ride’s expenses so that donor dollars are not used for trip costs.
- Start: La Push, Washington (July 15 departure)
- Route highlights: northern route close to the Canadian border, turning south at Buffalo
- Planned stops include New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Richmond and a finish in Virginia Beach
- Fundraising goal: $250,000; status as of July 10: about $98,000
- Daily updates and donations: ridepatride.org
What this means for Richmond
For Richmond residents the ride touches both the emotional and practical: it returns through the city on a lengthy national trek that spotlights a local family’s experience and a national health issue. Events like this can catalyze local fundraising, volunteer support and public awareness — especially when the rider plans to finish within driving distance of the community he’s representing.
Local organizations and neighbors who want to follow the ride or contribute can visit the organizing website for daily progress updates and donation options. The trip will bring visibility to the work of Breakthrough T1D and offer an opportunity for Richmond-area supporters to engage directly with a hometown rider.
Quick reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rider | Pat McAleer, Richmond father |
| Purpose | Fundraiser for Breakthrough T1D (research, prevention, treatment) |
| Distance | About 5,000 miles |
| Goal | $250,000 |
| Website | ridepatride.org |
The ride offers a clear example of how a personal health story can motivate community action across state lines. Richmonders who want to support the effort have multiple ways to do so — through donations, following daily updates online, and sharing the story to raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes and the research efforts that seek better treatments and, one day, a cure.
