Danish Girl with Diabetes Honored as Pro Cyclist for A Day by Team Novo Nordisk
Team Novo Nordisk honored Thea Guldager at the start of Stage 2 of the PostNord Danmark Rundt as “Pro Cyclist for a Day”
Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team, surprised 13-year-old Thea Guldager at the start of Stage 2 of the PostNord Danmark Rundt by honoring her as “Pro Cyclist for a Day” as a thank you for support.
“Events like this are truly the reason why this team exists, and I feel privileged to see how our project changes the world, one person at a time,” Team Novo Nordisk CEO and Co-Founder Phil Southerland said. “It is particularly special to see a child start to believe again in their own potential following their diabetes diagnosis. Seeing the impression the team leaves –both on the child and their parents – motivates us to keep spreading our mission to inspire, educate and empower everyone affected by diabetes.”
Thea--who was diagnosed with diabetes at age four-- met Team Novo Nordisk at the PostNord Danmark Rundt back in 2014 and has closely followed the team since. After receiving a thoughtful message from Thea’s sister back in May, Team Novo Nordisk helped Thea ring in her 13th birthday with a special video message to encourage her to keep chasing her dreams while living with type 1 diabetes.
“For Thea, Team Novo Nordisk is family; it is her family with diabetes. The impact you’ve had on her and our whole family is fantastic,” Thea’s mother Laura said. “This relationship between the riders and Thea combined with the fact that they all have diabetes means so much to her. It lets her know that she isn’t alone and everything is possible. These riders are so successful and the fact they took the time to share this moment with her right before the start of such a big stage is absolutely incredible.”
Every year Thea’ parents and sister Emma travel to cheer on the team during the race. Additionally, Thea runs a fan profile on Instagram dedicated to the team. In its first “Pro Cyclist for a Day”, Team Novo Nordisk wanted to say thank you to Thea for her years of dedication.
“Today was such a special surprise and I’m so happy. This whole team gives me so much inspiration to keep chasing my dreams,” said Thea.
As Pro Cyclist for a Day, Guldager received a team kit, gloves, socks, hat, feed bag, rider cards and autographed team photo.
Team Novo Nordisk encourages everyone to connect with the team via social media to be considered for a future “Pro Cyclist for a Day.” Additionally, Team Novo Nordisk will wrap up the PostNord Danmark Rundt with a meet n’greet at the team bus at the start of the final stage in Faxe on Sunday.
Everyone is welcome. Please go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2086625741577367/ for more information.
All images are ©RENE VIGNERON © rscp-photo.eu
Team Novo Nordisk is a global all-diabetes sports team of cyclists spearheaded by the world’s first all-diabetes UCI Professional Continental cycling team. In 2012, Phil Southerland, co-founder and CEO of the team, and global healthcare company Novo Nordisk, came together to create Team Novo Nordisk, based on a shared vision to inspire, educate and empower people around the world affected by diabetes. For more information, go to www.teamnovonordisk.com.
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