McDONOUGH – It’s time to gear up and start your engines for the 5th Annual Heidee’s Memorial Cruise for Diabetes and Dice Run.

The ride will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 4 at Gus’ Steakhouse in Norwich and conclude with a barbecue and raffle at the Balsam Inn in East Pharsalia.

Nancy MacLaury began organizing the ride after losing her daughter just over five years ago. Heidee was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of three and struggled with the disease until age 30.

“My hope is it generates enough awareness that more people take the disease seriously,” said MacLaury. “I may have lost my daughter, but hopefully the money we raise can go to help other families so they don’t lose their brother, sister, mother or child.”

The ride will cost $15 for one person and $25 with a passenger. All proceeds will be donated to the ADA.

MacLaury said she is hoping for a great turn-out this year to make up for the poor weather which stifled participation at the last event.

“There are plenty of people that want to participate and many have stuck with it all the way through,” said MacLaury. “Despite the rain last year, we had many new riders that made the entire trip and said they looked forward to coming back this year.”