Pratt RATHER
International Diabetic Athletes Association’s LifeScan Prize for Athletic Achievement
Age: 40
Age diagnosed: 15
Current A1C: 4.8%
Goal for Next A1C: 5.4%
Education & Occupation:
BS in Management from Georgia Institute of Technology. Self employed, Consulting. Founding partner of Sweetwater Brewing Company in Atlanta, Georgia.Family:
Married to a wonderful lady named Heidi. Father to the best gift, Ellery Patterson, born 8/30/05. Servant to two great dogs, Ellie and Peanut. Litter box manager for three loving cats; Hops, Malt and BarleyMost Vivid Memory of Diagnosis:
When my mother was driving me to the hospital just after learning from my pediatric physician that I had diabetes, one question came to mind and I just had to ask my mother. I said “Mom is diabetes permanent?” She replied “you bet it is”. Upon learning of its permanence, we cried for the first time and the last time over the diabetes challenge. My mother and father have and always have been the epitome of support. Cheers to them both!Riding Experience:
Having been a competitive cyclist since 1985, my history of Racing is longer than my memory. As well it is way too boring. With this in mind, let me list a few highlights to show that diabetes does not result in memory loss. Here you go: USCF Road Racing (Cat 3 & Masters), 24 Hour Mountain Bike Races, four person team categoryRace Across AMerica (RAAM)– st place, mixed team, 1995Most Memorable Event(s): Having really only known life as a diabetic,
I will have to classify any memorable, life event as post-diagnosis. I love life; therefore, I have to say that every day is memorable in some respect. Yet, I will give two A1Ccounts of significant importance.
Marrying Heidi is the most memorable personal event for I now have someone who is silly, serious and loving with whom I can share this journey called life. I am one lucky guy and a diabetic!
Being a first recipient of the International Diabetic Athletes Association’s LifeScan Prize for Athletic Achievement is the most memorable event resulting from my success as a diabetic athlete. Through this affiliation, I have met many fine peoplePersonal Statement:
I have learned a lot about myself and life through the challenge of diabetes. The most pertinent lesson is that we all have a choice in the fA1Ce of adversity. Choose a positive perspective such as hope or choose a negative perspective such as defeat.
If you will, take a minute and imagine receiving a phone call from your doctor where you are informed that a cure for diabetes has just been discovered. Having rehearsed my response to this type of announcement many times, my conclusion is “yes, I would take the cure”. However, I would never take the cure should the result be not only a life without diabetes, but also a loss of the knowledge, self-awareness and ability to take a positive stance against the winds of adversity that I have learned thought living with diabetes.
When adversity blows my way again, I know which choice I will make. My wish to all is to never lose hope."