On June 7, Michael Healy will graduate from Emmaus High School. However, his personal accomplishments encompass more than academic prowess. In March of 2013, Healy learned he has Type 1 diabetes. Although blindsided by the diagnosis, Healy quickly regained his equilibrium.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune illness requiring dietary regulation and regular administration of insulin. Healy has become adept at self monitoring and injection. He also actively participates in the campaign to develop more effective treatments and, eventually, a cure for diabetes.

Last summer, he donated time to work as a camp counselor at Camp Red Jacket, a camp for children with Type 1 diabetes. In addition, he took part in a Step Out/Walk to Stop diabetes event at Coca Cola Park.

Healy's latest endeavor took a more personal path.

While in middle school, Healy began riding his bike for increasingly longer distances. As a high school freshman he cycled to New York City. A dedicated bicyclist, he prefers to train and travel solo because, in his words, he can "enjoy it [the ride] at [his own] pace."

Healy's most recent project, an approximately 200 mile trip which began in Cumberland, Md. and culminated in Washington, D.C., blended his passion for biking and his desire to support diabetes research.

Departing April 25 and arriving April 26, Healy rode to raise funds for the American Diabetes Association and public awareness concerning Type 1 diabetes. Healy explained he chose such an ambitious route "to make it more personal [which] gives people more of a reason to donate."

His school community has shown support.

With the authorization of Principal Dave Piperato and under the guidance of teacher/advisor Jillian Zarnas, EHS's Interact Club collected donations to help Team Mike and His Bike reach its $2,000 goal. After the ride, Healy will refocus his energies on the future. He hopes to eventually pursue a career in occupational therapy.

Healy does not permit the disease to define him; instead, he views his situation as an opportunity to expand his horizons.

For more information, visit www.diabetes.org/ mikeandhisbike.