Teen Raising Money For Diabetes Research With Lake Tahoe Bike Ride

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - He's been training for months and next week he'll hop on his bike and raise money for a special cause.

At just 15, Luke Cady is preparing for an amazing bike ride.

"It's called the Tour de Tahoe," said Cady.

It's a 72-mile ride around Lake Tahoe and it's all for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, an organization close to Cady's heart.

While Cady is healthy, he has family members battling Type 1 diabetes.

"My uncle has it, my cousin has it, and some other of my family members have it," said Cady.

He's seen for himself just how different their lifestyle is.

"They have to constantly check their blood sugar, give themselves shots of insulin," said Cady.

The training for this ride is intense, but the fundraising has kept him focused and excited for his adventure.

"The ride doesn't really matter; it's raising the money that counts," said Cady.

So far he's done well.

"I'm raising $2,000 right now," said Cady. "I'm a week away and I'm at $1,500."

Starting on his road bike just one year ago, he never thought he would end up here.

"I'm so close to my goal, I want to go even farther," said Cady.

His mom says she's nervous, but proud of her son's dedication.

"He's putting so much training and effort into an organization that's really going to do some good," said Kimberly LaMar-Damiani.

Cady's ride is September 9.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is a leading global organization for Type 1 diabetes.