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Volunteer Profile: Pat Cote-Miles |
2009-12-08 |
By Mary Moore |
While driving through Tyrone one spring day two years ago, 11-year resident Pat Cote-Miles saw signs and riders participating in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure, and felt the urge to get involved.
A few years previous, Miles said she was living a sedentary lifestyle and was “heading toward Type II Diabetes.”
“I had high cholesterol and high blood pressure,” she recalled.
“But I started running and lost the weight. I turned it all around. Now I’m running in four or five marathons a year.”
Her experience compelled her to become an active advocate for health and fitness. She is a member of the Peachtree City Running Club and volunteers with the Peachtree City Grand Prix Youth Triathlon.
For the past two years, Miles has volunteered with the American Diabetes Association and coordinates the rest stops along the Tour de Cure’s eight mile route for kids and families.
“I love seeing all the people so excited about riding!” she explained.
“Last year we had a little boy who wouldn’t stop at the rest stops, even though his parents wanted him to, because he was so excited to ride.”
Tour de Cure is held in 43 states nationwide. More than 40,000 cyclists were able to raise 17 million dollars to support the ADA’s mission “to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.”
Miles said her favorite part of volunteering with Tour de Cure is seeing the passion and dedication the riders have for the cause.
“I get to talk to a lot of the riders at rest stops and it is so great to meet people who want to help, and who know the effects of the disease,” she stated.
“Plus, there is always something going on like this on the north side [of Atlanta] - so it’s important to show that people here on the south side in Fayette County know what an active style looks like.”
Miles is passionate about her many volunteer activities and encourages others to get involved in their communities.
“It takes a lot less time that some people think and you get so much more out of it than you give,” she explained.
“It gives you a feeling of satisfaction to see good things come from your service.”
And true to form, Miles also wants us all to stay active.
“Get out there and use the recreational trails!” she urged.
The next Tour de Cure ride in Tyrone will be May 16, 2010. For more information about volunteering with or participating in the race, go online to http://tour.diabetes.org.
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