Oak Park dad gearing up for long ride to support his daughter





DADDY’S GIRL—Sean Williams and his daughter Siobhan, 7, pose with the bike that was supposed to carry Williams on an ambitious trek through Death Valley. Williams, who purchased a new bike within one week of losing the other, will ride on Oct. 13 through 16.

DADDY’S GIRL—Sean Williams and his daughter Siobhan, 7, pose with the bike that was supposed to carry Williams on an ambitious trek through Death Valley. Williams, who purchased a new bike within one week of losing the other, will ride on Oct. 13 through 16.

The theft of Sean Williams’ $1,500 bicycle from his Oak Park home hasn’t altered his ambitious plan to ride two wheels through Death Valley and raise funds for juvenile diabetes research.

Williams purchased a new bike within a week after his old one was stolen from his home so he could continue to train for the 100-mile ride taking place Oct. 13 through 16.

The local father of three will participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s 2011 Ride to Cure Diabetes in support of his youngest daughter, 7-yearold Siobhan, who has Type 1 diabetes.

The foundation is a worldwide leader in funding research to find better treatments and a cure for Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that affects 3 million adults and children in the U.S. each year. To date, the organization has funded $1.5 billion in diabetes research.

Siobhan was diagnosed with diabetes at age 2.

“We noticed that she wasn’t herself and she wasn’t well. By the time we got to the hospital she was almost unconscious and was diagnosed with diabetes,” Williams said, adding that he and his family received a great deal of support from the diabetes foundation.

Siobhan must watch what she eats and needs up to five insulin injections per day to control her blood sugar levels, her parents said.

According to the Diabetes Research Foundation, early diagnosis goes a long way toward preventing serious health problems and death.

While insulin allows a person with Type 1 diabetes to stay alive, it doesn’t cure the disease, nor does it prevent the development of serious complications. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, nerves and vital organs in the body. Possible complications from diabetes can affect the heart, the eyes and extremities.

As of late September, Williams had raised $2,145 for the diabetes foundation.

Williams, a financial director for a Santa Monica video game company, said preparing for the long bike ride allowed him to get back in shape and inspire his daughter to persevere in the face of adversity.

“I wanted to show my daughter that when there is a barrier in front of you, with progress, training, hope and courage you can overcome those barriers and look for the cure that she wants,” Williams said.

Williams purchased a specialized Secteur sport bike in May so he could participate in the event. He’s been riding throughout the region at least twice a week to prepare for the Death Valley ride.

“People who stole the bike don’t realize what they’re doing,” said Shruti Parmar, a co-worker and friend of the Williams family. In addition to stealing an object, the thief threatened a man’s hope and belief that he could make a difference in his daughter’s life, she said.

Williams, who grew up in Australia and moved his family to Oak Park two years ago, said the setback was frustrating.

“I felt violated that someone came into the garage while my wife and children were home,” he said, adding that in the past he and his wife, Stacey, often left the garage door open, assuming their quiet Oak Park cul-de-sac was secure.

The theft occurred Sept. 17.

“We’ve been here since 2009. We love it here and we just thought it was safe. But from here on, we will be more careful and close all our doors,” said Williams, who filed a police report and placed fliers around his neighborhood in an attempt to recover the stolen bike.

With the help of friends and co-workers, Williams was able to buy a new bicycle to complete his training for the upcoming Ride to Cure Diabetes.

According to Senior Dep. Russell King of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, authorities have seen an increase in bicycle thefts throughout the East County. To prevent thefts, police say residents should close their garage doors and secure side doors, day and night.

“If you have bicycles, please retain a photograph of the bicycle and record the bicycle’s serial number. This information will assist with future investigations if you should become a victim,” King said in a community newsletter.

The sheriff’s office urges residents to report suspicious people loitering within their community by calling (805) 654-9511.

To learn more about Williams or to sponsor his ride, visit www2. jdrf.org/goto/sean.


READY, SET, RIDE—Sean Williams and his wife Stacey check out the new bicycle Sean will ride through Death Valley.

READY, SET, RIDE—Sean Williams and his wife Stacey check out the new bicycle Sean will ride through Death Valley.

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