News Article - 5 minute read

Sigma Mu Mu Chapter Raises $3200 for American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure “Get Active” Virtual Event

Health and well-being took on unprecedented urgency in the face of the 2021's global pandemic.  With renewed vigor, the Brothers of Sigma Mu Mu again supported the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure "Get Active" virtual event in 2021. Results were excellent - the chapter raised $3,200, exceeding our 2020 showing by $500.  Over the last few years, the chapter's  regular fitness programs contributed to healthy lifestyles  and stronger bonds between brothers.  In 2021, we emphasized higher chapter participation by welcoming all levels of activities.  Various fitness events, fund raising or otherwise, complemented  our regular informal virtual training get-togethers.  Tour de Cure, never more important to the fight against diabetes - remains  a cornerstone event. 

We tightly integrated the year long initiative with our Healthy Living series and weekly outreach to walkers, cyclists and runners in the chapter and community we serve.  In January 2021, our first Healthy Living webcast provided an update to  40 attendees on the Covid 19 pandemic by Bro. Lynt Johnson MD and included a segment on the American Diabetes Association's observations on the pandemic's particular impact on minority communities.  Prior to the virtual event in September, SMM teamed with the ADA and Biking Bruhs for a "Diabetes 101 - What you need to know" webcast presentation to 25 attendees from across the community.  

Our weekly outreach efforts got more people involved in outdoor activities - walking, riding and running all around the Washington DC area. A highlight of the effort was a joint ride in August 2021 with the Biking Burhs and Delta Sigma Theta.  The event attracted over 50 participants and promoted the culminating Tour de Cure virtual ride in September 2021.