POWERGRAMS

4 Families that ride together, stay together. In the case of Kenya and Josh Glover, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle brought them together and is still helping keep their union strong. Josh Glover conceived the BAD (Battle Against Diabetes) Motorcycle Ride, through the Gaston Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization, in honor of his wife, family members, friends and co-workers who are fighting diabetes. "I ride in about 10 to 12 charity motorcycle events each year," said Glover, a construction field specialist for Plant Gaston since 2012. "Diabetes is real close to home to me because a lot of my family members are diabetic. It's a cause that affects me and my family every day. I got the idea for this ride and presented it to Gaston APSO because I wanted to raise awareness and help get Southern Company more involved in the American Diabetes Association." Gaston APSO board member Jodi Webb said, "We thought it would be a great way to help fund research through the ADA." As Gaston APSO's first event through ADA's national Tour de Cure, APSO members kept their initial project manageably small. Glover was appreciative to companies serving as their first-time event sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Snap Fitness 24-7, Local 136 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, F&M Mafco, Lula B's Frozen Yogurt, 1 Call Contractors and Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson. To ensure the ride proceeded smoothly, Gaston Security Team Leader Stan Chapman talked with county law enforcement and covered other logisitics several weeks ahead. Fifty-four motorcycle teams took part in the BAD Ride on Aug. 16 beginning in Pelham. Before lifting kickstands, Chapman outlined safety rules and a prayer was said for riders. The group followed U.S. 31 to Alabama 119, onto U.S. 280 and down to Harpersville. From there, riders hit Alabama 25, riding to Montevallo and returning without incident to the start. The Glovers rode together on his Harley Street Glide. Many other Gaston employees made it a family affair: Maintenance Team Leader Mark Bradley and his wife, Helen, Operations team leader; Employee Development Coordinator Wanda Sherbert and her husband, Spud; and Wilsonville Research Associate Tabetha Lemonds and her husband, Ray. Webb, chemical technician, and her husband, Kevin, assisted in the event. Gaston APSO's $1,100 gift to the ADA's Birmingham chapter was momentous for Glover and other APSO members whose goal is to defeat diabetes. "We had a father-and-son team who lost the mother to diabetes," he said. Glover's life changed four years ago on his Harley. "I was riding motorcycles with my buddy, and he wanted to go see a friend of his," Glover said. The friend's cousin, Kenya, was standing in the driveway. Glover quickly discovered their shared love of motorcycles. Growing up, Kenya's family loved riding: "Her dad was real big into Harleys" and she has a Harley-Davidson Iron 883. It was natural that the couple's first outing was riding in a charity motorcycle event. He learned that Kenya had surgery at 17 to remove her pancreas. At that time, she was UAB Hospital's youngest patient to undergo transplantation of the pancreas' insulin-producing islet cells to the liver, performed by Dr. John Christein. "Josh is real supportive," Kenya said. "He tries to learn about diabetes, and went to my doctor visits with me." She lives a productive life while managing her diabetes: The Glovers exercise at a gym daily, she is careful with her eating and uses an insulin pump to maintain her blood sugar level. Kenya earned an associate's degree in business, is a restaurant manager wants to earn a pharmacy degree. Josh is happy that the BAD ride shed light on a disease that affects many at Alabama Power. "My wife knew I was doing it for the cause, and I believe it's good to have people there who can talk about what they've gone through," he said. "APSO does a lot of good stuff. I'm hoping for an even bigger turnout next year for our second event." By Donna Cope BAD Ride for good cause 100% CONNECTED Fifty-four motorcycle teams rode to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. Photos by Christopher Jones GASTON, GLOVERS FIGHT DIABETES WITH CHARITY MOTORCYCLE EVENT Monkey mascot made the trip.

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