About the Authors
About the Authors
About the Authors
Rhodes and Alana are co-authors of the children's book series The Adventures of Rhodes & Alana, and co-founders of The Diabetes Support Group.
Meet Rhodes
Rhodes Ritenour was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age five. In the time since his diagnosis, he has taken over 20,000 insulin injections, and checked his blood sugar more than 80,000 times. He is an outspoken advocate for those living with all types of diabetes, and is driven by a message of empowerment for those living with a chronic condition.
A volunteer with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) since the mid-1980s, Rhodes was named to the ADA’s National Board of Directors in 2022, and served as Chairman of the Board in 2024. Rhodes has also served on the ADA National Committee on Legislation and Regulation, Audit and Governance Committee, Advocacy Committee, and Legal Advocacy Network. Previously, he was Chairman of the ADA Virginia Community Leadership Board, the Inaugural recipient of the ADA Central Virginia Innovation Award in 2014, and the ADA National Stop Diabetes Volunteer Award, Mid Markets East, in 2014. Rhodes is a graduate of The University of Virginia and University of Virginia School of Law. He is a native of New Market, Virginia. Rhodes and his wife, Alana, live in Richmond, Virginia.
Rhodes advocating for the ADA's Stop Diabetes campaign
Rhodes wearing a model of the first insulin pump
Rhodes in hospital at T1D Diagnosis, 1985
8-year old "Rhodes" illustrated by Erwin Madrid for Zoo Goes Wild
Meet Alana
Alana Ritenour developed a passion for health and nutrition in graduate school while competing in the Miss Virginia Organization. Since meeting Rhodes in 2005, she has been dedicated to improving the lives of persons with diabetes, by encouraging and empowering their support systems of family, friends, and co-workers. Alana brings authenticity and humor to her advice for caregivers, having personal experience not only with Rhodes’ diabetes, but also with pediatric food allergies, and elderly dementia.
Since 2020, Alana has served on the board of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the leading non-profit funder of T1D research, and chaired its Nominating and Board Development Committee. From 2026-2028, she will serve as President of the Board of the Virginia Chapter of Breakthrough T1D. She previously chaired the Central Virginia Community Board of JDRF. Alana is a graduate of The University of Virginia and William and Mary School of Law. She is originally from Great Falls, Virginia. Alana and her husband, Rhodes, live in Richmond, Virginia.
8-year old "Alana" illustrated by Erwin Madrid for Zoo Goes Wild
Alana attending a T1D Screening summit
Alana advocating for funding for diabetes research on Capitol Hill
Alana signing books at a Breakthrough T1D summit
Our Mission
Rhodes and Alana's mission is to help people living with type 1, type 2, and pre-diabetes feel supported and empowered to take a positive and proactive approach to management of the disease. They are especially driven to encourage those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to live a full life with no limits until cures are found and available to all. Until then, they will continue to educate families about screening for early detection of T1D, and will support individuals, families, and caregivers impacted by diabetes.
Rhodes and Alana co-founded The Diabetes Support Group in 2010, hosting monthly meetings in Richmond, Virginia before launching the national, on-line version in 2016 at TheDiabetesSupportGroup.org. They previously co-produced Life, Love & Diabetes – a local television program about how to involve the whole family in effective diabetes management. Rhodes and Alana published the first book in their children’s series, The Adventures of Rhodes & Alana, in 2022 under their own imprint, Adventures of R&A.
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Our Books
The Adventures of Rhodes & Alana is a three-book series for elementary-age readers. Join 8-year-old Rhodes and Alana on an adventure, while learning subtle lessons about friendship and life with diabetes. Available from most online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org.
Come along as eight-year-old Rhodes and his best friend Alana set out on their first adventure. In “School Bus Secret,” missing the school bus leads to an exciting journey, and an opportunity for Rhodes to tell Alana about living with type 1 diabetes. A new friendship is formed!
Will a fun day at the ballpark be ruined by a bully? In “Bully Blues,” Alana’s friendship may be just what Rhodes needs to stand up for himself. Plus, learning about food allergies and T1D screening makes this adventure a home run!
“Zoo Goes Wild” is our latest release!! It’s a wild day at the zoo when Rhodes and Alana join the hunt for a missing monkey. It’s also Rhodes’ first school field trip without a parent, thanks to his new continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that has made his T1D easier to manage.
Book Reviews
"School Bus Secret is a story that all kids need to read: an example of pure
friendship, acceptance and support..."
- Dr Aaron Kowalski, CEO Breakthrough T1D
"Bully Blues is relevant and relatable for so many children who have faced bullying, food allergies, or a chronic condition.... I want all my patients and families to read this!"
- Dr Bryce Nelson, pediatric endocrinologist
"This series appeals to a broad audience, from young reader, to grandparents, to anyone who knows, supports, or loves a person with diabetes...."
- Chuck Henderson, CEO American Diabetes Association
Bulk and Wholesale Orders
To request a quote for a bulk book order or author-signed copies, contact the authors using this form.
Discounts are available for:
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orders of 25 or more books (any combination of titles)
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non-profits, clinical practices, or educators
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books intended for donation to schools, hospitals, or libraries
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wholesale purchases for retail re-sale
