LARRY CLEVELAND

• Wilmington, NC
• Age: 52
• Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at age 48

As a coach and an athlete, Larry Cleveland is no stranger to organized sports. Still, when he was extended the invitation to join Team Type 2, his smile grew to a wide, ear-to-ear grin. Diagnosed only a few years ago, in 2006, Larry says that being invited to join Team Type 2 is “both awesome and humbling.”

In addition, Larry was one of eight team members in 2009 to participate in what is considered to be one of the most grueling cycling events in the world – Race Across America (RAAM). In the eight-person division, riders switch off relay-style as they pedal the 3,000 miles non-stop across the country.

The 50-year-old teacher and coach in Wilmington, NC, says he stays active and trained for RAAM by competing in triathlons. An athlete his entire life, he also played soccer competitively in college.

He feels that cycling is the perfect opportunity for him to spread the team’s message that through active management, one can achieve their goals, dreams and potential while still managing their diabetes.