(Editor's Note: Andy Holder is a 1986 graduate of Island Trees High School. While at ITHS, he competed in football, wrestling and lacrosse. In his senior year, Andy was Nassau County Wrestling Champion. He and his corporate sponsor, Diabetes Shoppe wrote the following.)

Andy Holder isn't your normal diabetes patient. He is 37 years old, has been an athlete all his life, and as recently as five years ago, was a competitive, drug-free bodybuilder. After Andy's diagnosis, he realized that he had to take control of his attitude. He knew he had the strength and determination to handle this disease, and he also knew he had been given an opportunity to be a positive influence and role model for the children who are battling this disease.

Andy had always considered the Ironman distance triathlon to be the ultimate test of both mental and physical endurance. But he didn't know how to swim, and he hadn't done much bike riding since childhood. But his drive and willingness to succeed kept telling him to try.

He stuck with it, and within a few months had completed two sprint distance triathlons and a half Ironman. He also completed his second full marathon.

He has to check his blood sugar a dozen times a day, sometimes while running or riding his bike. He also has to plan all his meals around how and when they will affect his blood sugar, how a meal will impact his workouts, and how the workout itself will affect his blood sugar. He wears an insulin pump that is giving him insulin to lower blood sugar. If he doesn't plan everything perfectly, he can suffer a dangerous low blood sugar episode that could interrupt his workout and more importantly, could have life-threatening implications.

He is now determined to not only complete the Ironman on July 23 in Lake Placid, but he plans to dedicate his life to raising awareness and money to cure this disease. He is committed to race full time with the help of sponsors and share his story with as many people as he can.

He has been selected as the honoree at this year's Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's (JDRF) Promise Ball in Philadelphia on April 29. The Promise Ball in Philadelphia is one of JDRF's biggest fundraising events of the year and raises over $1 million annually for the organization. JDRF is the world's leading nonprofit funder of diabetes research - over $900 million raised since its founding 35 years ago.

Additionally, Diabetes Shoppe, a division of AmerisourceBergen, one of the nation's largest pharmaceutical service providers, has agreed to support his efforts by way of a $50,000 challenge donation. For each dollar he raises, Diabetes Shoppe will match the donation up to $50,000. Donations received by the night of the gala will be eligible for the challenge - effectively doubling each donation received by April 29.

With your help, I know I can raise more than the $50,000 challenge - my personal goal is to raise $1,000 for every mile I race in the Ironman or $140,000. Please help by making your tax-deductible donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in one of the following ways: Fund a Cure by mailing your check made payable to JDRF to my address 3529 Arcadia La., Collegeville, PA 19426 or make an online donation using the following link www.januscharitychallenge.com/LP06/ironandy?faf=1&e=426067876

Andy Holder