KAYSVILLE, Utah – About 30 students teamed up to go the distance this weekend for a friend who passed away, and the group raised about $30,000 for diabetes research before and during a trip of more than 380 miles—on scooters.
Event organizers say the three-day trip from St. George to Davis High School in Kaysville on kick-scooters sets a world record, a record the group hopes will raise awareness about diabetes.
The Razor Crusaders put the Ride for Diabetes together partly in honor of Clayton Jenkins, a co-founder of the group who had Type 1 diabetes and died in 2012 at the age of 22.
Co-founder Connor Moody said their group hopes to raise funds while inspiring people who have diabetes to live without limits, and he said the preparations for the ride began before Jenkins’ death.
“We all looked up to him, and we think the best way to honor him and his family is to do something he would like to do,” he said. “We started planning this ride actually three years ago, and he passed away two years ago, so in order to move forward with his plans, we had this ride for diabetes.”
The group was founded in 2008 with the dream to one day cure diabetes. Event organizers at the finish line told FOX 13 News the group had raised about $30,000 from various sources and said 100 percent of donations go toward diabetes research.
“So I think this is a great way to show the community that you’re not limited when you’re diabetic, you can ride 380 miles on a Razor scooter, you can play any sports you want, you just have to be sure to manage it,” Moody said.
Moody said two of those who rode in they relay have diabetes.
According to the a press release from the Razor Crusaders, sponsors of the event include: the “American Diabetes Association, Razor USA, Utah First Credit Union, Contour, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, DipSum, Letterman Watches, and many other generous sponsors.”
Moody stated in the press release that the ride fulfilled two purposes important to the Razor Crusaders.
“This ride is not only to raise diabetes awareness within our communities, but to remember our best friend, Clayton,” Moody stated. “We love Clayton, we miss him, and with this ride, we’ll always remember him.”
To learn more about the Razor Crusaders and the ways you can help their cause, visit their website and Facebook page.
