Northport Podiatrist Cycles For Diabetes

NORTHPORT, NY — Northport podiatrist Ronald Iannacone sees firsthand the effects of diabetes on his patients' lives and feet. When his brother Robert Iannacone, also a podiatrist in Florida, decided to organize a Tour de Cure ride to benefit the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Ronald saw it as a win-win.

"I get to do something I love and help contribute to a good cause."

The 64-year-old doctor and former president of the Northport Chamber of Commerce told Patch that when he agreed to join the ride he was worried about meeting the $250 minimum fundraising goal but that he's already raised over $1,400 with six weeks left to go.

"I treat a lot of diabetics and I see what happens to people's feet. Any money I can raise to help see people cured of this terrible disease is worth it."

Iannacone started cycling in 2014, and after spending years being so busy working, he loved it right away.

"The first day I rode 18 miles and couldn’t walk after. I hadn’t been on a bike since I got my driver's license," he remembers.

He feels confident he's capable of making the 50-mile trip on March 29 in Orlando with the fellow charity riders, but just in case, he joined a gym to get indoor training in before the weather warms up.

Tour de Cure rides will happen across the country, and riders can choose to ride 25, 50 or 100 miles as part of the main fundraising event for the ADA.

"I felt 25 miles was too easy, since I do that every Sunday in the summer."

100 percent of the proceeds goes to the ADA, and Iannocone says he's experienced the power of social media in his fundrasing, with people he doesn't even know donating to his ride. He's also seen a huge response from the Northport community and his own patients.

"The response has been tremendous."

He told Patch that he's seen improvements in his diabetic patients with new advancements in treatment and hopes to see that continue with more money raised for research.