Riding for a Cure

Rex Covington made a stop in Graham Tuesday as he continues riding across America since June 2018  in an effort to raise $90,000 to support diabetes research in honor of his son Chris.

Covington, a Fort Worth native, said he decided to do this ride after Chris, who was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic, died in a fiery car crash in 2015.

“My son was diagnosed when he was 27-years-old which is actually late,” he said. “His pancreas just quit putting out insulin. Five years ago, he was problem keeping his blood sugar level normal, he blacked out and drove off a bridge.”

He said he was at the crash scene because a friend had called him to let him know and the death of his son weighed heavy on him afterwards.

“In January of 2018, I had this dream that I was riding around the country raising awareness, gonna raise $90,000,” Covington said. “The dream was so vivid, going to raise $90,000 on this symbolic check that I was giving to the American Diabetes Association.”

After the dream, Covington sold all his belongings to fund the trip, partnered with American Diabetes Association and was on the road five months later.

The motorcyclist said he was home for Thanksgiving and was traveling Hwy. 16 from Zapata north. He said he will visit Cleburne and Kaufman for their Christmas Light Parade, before heading to Arizona for an American Diabetes Association event and a rally in Florida.

For the full story, see the Saturday, Dec. 7 edition of The Graham Leader.