On September 30, 2023 I will be doing the Delta Epic Gravel Race -- 300 miles on Mississippi Back roads -- to support the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. This year I'm riding in memory of my friend Zane Hodge, who showed me this Foundation and recently passed away.
O’Ryan Patterson with Zane and DFM Past President Rick Carlton, MD at Oxford walk 2022
Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, you aren't presented with the healthiest food options. Most of your meals are coming from fast food & and gas stations. For most of my childhood, I was obese - until 2020 when I was laid off from work due to COVID-19. That is when I started the process of losing weight and teaching myself healthy habits. Many friends and family members have been diagnosed with diabetes. I thought I needed to make a change in myself before the same thing happened to me.
Thank you for your interest in helping me raise money for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. Every dollar raised by the Foundation stays in the Magnolia State to help every child, every adult, and every family touched by diabetes. Your contribution helps in the fight against the diabetes epidemic in our state, and we appreciate your generosity.