PHARSALIA – The family members of a local woman who passed away nearly seven years ago are doing their best to keep the spirit and courage of their beloved Heidee Petersen alive by continuing on with her wish to give back.
The late Heidee Petersen was diagnosed early at age two with juvenile diabetes, and from there life proved not to be any less complicated. A number of procedures and diagnoses punctuated her youth, eventually resulting in a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) in her high school years. Later, she would be diagnosed with gastroparesis secondary to dysautonomia, which occurs in many serious cases of diabetes – resulting in her needing a special implant to keep her stomach and intestines working properly.
From having a portion of her stomach removed, to enduring the daily battles associated with dialysis, Heidee remained optimistic for her family and her son.
The dollar amount to undergo such invasive and frequent medical treatment was burdensome to say the least, but Heidee was fortunate in that she had the backing and assistance of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) at her side to provide financial comfort through her many treatments.
The ADA has special funding for patients like Heidee who have overwhelming compilations attributed to diabetes, and thanks largely in part to those funds Heidee was able to spend more time with her son, Isaiah, before she passed away.
“One thing that she told us before she passed away was that she wished that she could repay what the ADA did for her, and that's what this ride is all about,” said ride organizer and mother Nancy Petersen.
Since 2007, Nancy with the concept and help of her son Shane Wilcox, have organized the annual aimed at raising both funds and awareness for the ADA, and this year is no different.
Since 2007, Nancy has organized the ride and this year is no different.
With the last wishes of her daughter in mind, Nancy and crew have been able to raise over $16,000 for the ADA, something that she knows Heidee would have done if given the opportunity.
