Justin and Max Gubser

Photo Credit: San Mateo Times photojournalist, Mathew Sumner

Yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock, Greg Gubser and Max Werner paddled their way to shore just passed the Golden Gate Coast Guard Station where Greg used to work. Thirty family, friends and staff from the Diabetic Youth Foundation (DYF) were on the beach to cheer on the two wet, chilled-to-the-bone paddlers who had just completed a two-day, 79 mile, 40,000 stroke journey from Sacramento to Sausalito in an effort to raise money for DYF. Greg's 10 year-old son, Justin, who has Type 1 Diabetes, joined his dad for the last 100 paddles.

Loads of Support from Family & Friends

On shore were Greg's wife, Amy, their daughter, Holly, his mother, Ann, his brother, Adam, their boat crew, Dante Madrigal and Ryan Jurian, "roadie" and media man, Greg Cochran. A number of Justin's friends, fellow diabetics, were also there to cheer on the dynamic duo, as were Max's wife, Julie, her mother and sister.

On behalf of DYF's Executive Director, Mats Walin, Camp Director Janet Cooper came down to support Greg and Max along with Kelsey, Renee, Jean Marie, and a number of families who attend Bearskin Meadow Camp each year.

Trader Joe's donated some cash to provide a table full of food at the finish line.

The media was also there to help tell Greg and Max' story. San Mateo Times reporter Amelia Hansen interviewed everyone who either played a part in the 33 hour journey, or who will be beneficiaries of the money raised for the DYF. Photojournalist Mathew Sumner was there to document the feat with his camera which included the two pictures shown here.

Max Werner in Red & White Towel, Greg Gubser (far right) with Friends & Supporters

When Max Werner, Greg's friend and paddle buddy, came ashore, everyone couldn't help but notice the severe case of psoriasis all over Werner's legs, back and arms. Here is a man who could be raising money for his own selfish cause and he's out in the freezing cold water paddling away for two days, on behalf of other people in need.

"We paddled 11 1/2 hours yesterday," said Gubser. "We were probably paddling 45 strokes a minute. Then we hit the Richmond San Rafael bridge and the current killed us," he added.

"I don't think we were going more than 1 knot," said Werner. "Then this afternoon, we had the exact opposite problem. The wind came up and I couldn't see Greg because the waves were so high," he said as he shivered.

"But we made it!" they chimed in together.

Their Favorite Part of The 79 Mile Journey

Where Tuesday's paddle was daunting because they knew they would be in the water for close to twelve hours, Wednesday afternoon's supporters. They knew they would have to paddle late before getting out at Benicia. It was probably 8 or 9 o'clock when they finally reached their night-time destination. Greg said they were in bed by 10:30pm.

Yesterday, going through Rio Vista, they had a huge entourage cheering them on. This inspired them to keep going despite the cold.

Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, coming around the corner toward the Fort Baker beach and knowing they were close to the end was the highlight of the trip.

Greg's wife, Amy, said the media had been amazing from Sacramento to San Francisco all the way down to San Mateo. TV reporters used the opportunity to teach their audience about the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. From the time the five person crew got underway (Greg and Max on separate paddle boats and Dante, Ryan and Greg Cochran in the support boat along side them) their story was being told from TV, to newspaper and online print to radio.

With all the publicity, the entire Gubser family is now being given the opportunity to speak with senators and other government officials who can be influential in putting dollars toward further diabetes research. As a registered nurse at UCSF, Amy is already on the inside track of new developments. As a mom with a kid who has diabetes, she and her husband are ready and honored to be spokespeople for the entire diabetic community.

In the meantime, over $8,500 has been raised, thus far, as a result of Greg's and Max' efforts. Thanks to more than 150 individuals and families who care about and appreciate what the Gubser and Werner families have done on behalf of kids with diabetes, they are hoping to make a significant contribution.

"The checks are still rolling in," said Greg, this afternoon.

"We're hoping we can help replace the much needed water system at Bearskin Meadow Camp." said Amy. With a chuckle she added, "It's kind of funny that 'the water man' would end making money for the camp's water system."

How ever DYF choses to use the dollars raised the Gubser's know it will be money well invested in improving the camp's facilities and programs. "We completely trust that Mats will spend the money well," said Amy.

For another inspirational take on this story, go to:

SanMateoTimes.com

Related Stories in Rugged Elegant Living:

Diabetes Dad Paddles 70 Miles To Raise Thousands for DYF

All Donations received for the Gubsers' efforts, will be presented to the DYF in honor of the Gubser Family.

Please make checks out to:

Diabetic Youth Foundation (tax id# 94-6003673)
495 Brighton Road
Pacifica, CA 94044

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, selfless living!

~ Jennifer King

P.S. For helpful resources related to this story, click on the "contextual commerce" Amazon link directly below.

Greg Gubser

Greg Gubser is a dad whose ten year-old son has Type 1 Diabetes. His passion, other than his child and the Surf Camp he runs in Pacifica with his wife and friends, is Distance Paddling. In an effort to create awareness of and support for The Diabetic Youth Foundation, an organization that has significantly impacted his son's and his family's life, this morning Greg took to paddling 70 miles in his kayak.

At 7am this morning, Greg departed Old Sacramento on a never-before-attempted distance paddle to the Golden Gate Bridge. It will take him 2 days to complete this paddle (approximately 72 miles). Tomorrow afternoon, there will be a reception party at Station Golden Gate in Sausalito.

The Gubser family's efforts have already resulted in raising $7,000 for the organization. And they are hoping to raise even more!

The Diabetic Youth Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides camping, education and social services to people affected with the disease.

This is Greg's way to support his son and the Diabetic Youth Foundation, an organization that has changed his son's life and thousands of others like him.

All the funds raised from Greg's paddle, will go directly to the DYF so they can continue helping families affected by Diabetes.

Mats Wallin, Executive Director of the Diabetic Youth Foundation, said:

As a small independent non-profit, we are so appreciative of what Greg Gubser is doing to support the work of our organization. His family exemplifies both how we at the Diabetic Youth Foundation are able to provide hope and information through our educational programs and how are families find unique ways to financially support our services. All our programs are based on providing the latest information about diabetes management, and to provide the kind of support network, to enable these children and families to see that diabetes does not have to limit the possibilities that life can provide.

Gubser writes:

January 1, 2003 our lives were permanently changed. I watched my 9 year old child be poked with needles, pumped full of intravenous fluids, and injections of insulin. Justin was crying and did not understand what was happening to him. As a parent, I felt completely helpless. I realized that I could not fix ‘the Diabetes’ or take it away. The task of monitoring Justin was daunting and frightening, I was afraid to let him do anything. I felt alone and alienated by this diagnosis, and I did not know any other family who had a child with diabetes. After endless searches for support, our family discovered the Diabetic Youth Foundation (DYF). The mission of the DYF is to ‘enhance the quality of life of people affected by diabetes. They accomplish this by providing camping, social and educational services.’ They taught us how to live and function as a family with diabetes. We were introduced to other families with diabetic children. With the support of the DYF, we were able to feel less helpless, and more hopeful about dealing with Justin’s Diabetes. We have been able to introduce him to other children who also need to meet the daily challenges of the constant monitoring and medication regime that the disease requires. We have learned to give him the support that any child with a chronic illness needs to keep his spirits up. While it is crucial to continue to strive to discover a cure for Diabetes, it is equally important to learn to live with the disease until a cure is found.

Respectfully Yours,

Greg Gubser

As you watch or listen to the news today, this evening and/or tomorrow (Channel 3, 5, 23-NBC affiliate in Sacramento, 31 and KFOG radio), look for Greg and his family.

If you or anyone you know has a child suffering from diabetes, please tell them that The Diabetic Youth Foundation offers people living in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area a tremendous community of support.

All Donations received for the Gubsers' efforts, will be presented to the DYF in honor of the Gubser Family.

Please make checks out to:

Diabetic Youth Foundation (tax id# 94-6003673)
495 Brighton Road
Pacifica, CA 94044

For further details, go to: DYF.org

On behalf of the Gubser family, and as a fellow parent with two Type 1 diabetic children, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and "learning-to-live-with-what-you've-got" living!

~ Jennifer King