/PRNewswire/ -- More than 10,000 people participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Georgia Chapter's Walk to Cure Diabetes, raising more than $1.9 million. The proceeds from this extraordinary event go towards research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.
For the second year in a row Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) led the fundraising efforts as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes, raising a total of $73,000 - $55,000 from the BCBSGa Foundation and more than $18,000 raised by BCBSGa associates. "Diabetes remains an epidemic in our country, and unfortunately there is a strong likelihood that we all know someone impacted by this disease," said Morgan Kendrick, President, BCBSGa. "This is certainly true for me, and for many of our 3,000 employees and 2.5 million members in Georgia, which is why we continue to support JDRF."
This event brought together hundreds of corporate, family and school teams, made up of thousands of people, who walked in support of finding a cure for diabetes. After the 5K everyone enjoyed a fun afternoon of games and live entertainment from local performers including Gym South, Sole Momentum and Lost City. Charlie Kimball, the only licensed driver with diabetes in the Indy Racing League, also showed his support by shaking hands and signing autographs for fans of all ages.
"We thank all of our corporate sponsors and volunteers for their hard work and support of the Walk to Cure Diabetes," said JDRF Georgia Chapter Executive Director, Clanci Jordan. "Due to the millions of dollars raised at the annual walks JDRF is able to fund the most promising science that will accelerate progress toward new treatments, and eventually a cure."
The Walk to Cure Diabetes is the fastest growing fund raising event in the history of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Today walks are held in more than 200 cities worldwide. Nearly 500,000 people nationally walked last year and raised $90 million to cure diabetes.
For information on how to get involved in the 2011 Walk to Cure Diabetes visit http://jdrfgeorgia.org/ or call 404-420-5990.
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Showing posts with label diabetes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diabetes. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Dominique Wilkins Encourages Older Adults in Georgia to Get a Jump on Diabetes Through Screening and Prevention
/PRNewswire/ -- Former Atlanta Hawks forward and Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins today (November 9) urged older adults in Georgia, especially those ages 65 and older, to learn more about diabetes, its risk factors and get screened for this very serious disease. Wilkins joined with other city and community leaders – including Rep. John Lewis, City Council President Ceasar Mitchell and City Council Member Michael Julian Bond – and more than 100 older adults to launch "Get a Jump on Diabetes," an initiative of the Medicare Diabetes Screening Project (MDSP).
"I'm teaming up with the MDSP to help spread the word about the importance of screening, detection and prevention of diabetes," said Wilkins. "My mom, aunt and I all have diabetes, so I understand how serious this disease can be. But if you can get a jump on diabetes by getting screened, you can take steps to prevent or control diabetes."
The goal of MDSP is to help inform older adults about the importance of diabetes screening, detection and early prevention by taking advantage of the Medicare's free diabetes screening benefit. In collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, the Healthcare Leadership Council, the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging, Grady Health System, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, the Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Novo Nordisk, Inc. and more than 20 other Georgia-based organizations, the MDSP is now launching in Atlanta after successfully working since 2007 in Columbus, Macon, Savannah and other cities in Georgia and in other parts of the country to raise awareness about diabetes screening for Medicare beneficiaries.
"Diabetes is a national epidemic, but has a significant impact in Georgia, affecting far too many of our residents, especially people of color and older adults. The good news is that diabetes can be prevented and those diagnosed with the disease are able to live long healthy lives," said Congressman John Lewis (D-5th) who provided opening remarks during today's event.
Undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes are significant problems among adults ages 65 and older in Georgia, with more than 150,000 with undiagnosed diabetes and an additional 450,000 with pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are above normal, but not yet in the range for diabetes, and when there may still be time to prevent or delay disease onset.
Medicare covers free, annual diabetes screening for beneficiaries 65 and older who have one risk factor for diabetes: overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history of diabetes, or history of diabetes during pregnancy. There is no co-pay or deductible for the screening. Despite the high numbers of people with undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes only 9 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in Georgia were screened in 2008 according to Medicare data.
City Council President Mitchell reinforced diabetes' impact on the Atlanta community. "I've seen close-up the devastation that diabetes can cause, and I know it doesn't have to happen," said City Council President Mitchell. "Undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes remain significant problems in the state of Georgia. That's why all adults ages 65 and older should take that first step on the road to better health by asking their doctors or health care providers about the Medicare screenings."
Local advocates, including Dr. John Johnson, a primary care physician in the Atlanta area and Cathie Berger of the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging, answered questions about screening, detection and the importance of prevention and treatment, while encouraging older adults to share this message with other older adults in their communities. Mary Grealy, president of the Healthcare Leadership Council, moderated the discussion.
"The Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging will pick up the ball from Dominique and run with it into next year, continuing the good work that's beginning right here, today," said Cathie Berger, Director, Atlanta Regional Commission/Aging Service Division. "As sponsor of metro Atlanta RSVP, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, ARC will turn to our volunteers from the RSVP Senior Corps to be ambassadors in their communities, delivering messages about diabetes and the Medicare diabetes screening benefits to older adults throughout the Atlanta area. The volunteers will help deliver the message that the essential first step for prevention is screening."
Today's event is one example of how the MDSP is working with city officials, senior centers, churches, and other community-based organizations to promote use of Medicare's benefits for diabetes screening. Wilkins and the MDSP are also partnering with the Atlanta Hawks and will be distributing information about the free Medicare diabetes screening benefit during the November 12th and 14th Hawks home games at Philips Arena.
About the Medicare Screening Project
The Medicare Diabetes Screening Project in Atlanta is a community-based effort to reach and motivate seniors who have undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes, and encourage them to see their doctors or other health care providers, and take advantage of the free diabetes screening benefits offered by Medicare. Attached is a list of Georgia organizations involved with the MDSP "Get a Jump on Diabetes" campaign. To learn more, visit www.screenfordiabetes.org.
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"I'm teaming up with the MDSP to help spread the word about the importance of screening, detection and prevention of diabetes," said Wilkins. "My mom, aunt and I all have diabetes, so I understand how serious this disease can be. But if you can get a jump on diabetes by getting screened, you can take steps to prevent or control diabetes."
The goal of MDSP is to help inform older adults about the importance of diabetes screening, detection and early prevention by taking advantage of the Medicare's free diabetes screening benefit. In collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, the Healthcare Leadership Council, the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging, Grady Health System, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, the Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Novo Nordisk, Inc. and more than 20 other Georgia-based organizations, the MDSP is now launching in Atlanta after successfully working since 2007 in Columbus, Macon, Savannah and other cities in Georgia and in other parts of the country to raise awareness about diabetes screening for Medicare beneficiaries.
"Diabetes is a national epidemic, but has a significant impact in Georgia, affecting far too many of our residents, especially people of color and older adults. The good news is that diabetes can be prevented and those diagnosed with the disease are able to live long healthy lives," said Congressman John Lewis (D-5th) who provided opening remarks during today's event.
Undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes are significant problems among adults ages 65 and older in Georgia, with more than 150,000 with undiagnosed diabetes and an additional 450,000 with pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are above normal, but not yet in the range for diabetes, and when there may still be time to prevent or delay disease onset.
Medicare covers free, annual diabetes screening for beneficiaries 65 and older who have one risk factor for diabetes: overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history of diabetes, or history of diabetes during pregnancy. There is no co-pay or deductible for the screening. Despite the high numbers of people with undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes only 9 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in Georgia were screened in 2008 according to Medicare data.
City Council President Mitchell reinforced diabetes' impact on the Atlanta community. "I've seen close-up the devastation that diabetes can cause, and I know it doesn't have to happen," said City Council President Mitchell. "Undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes remain significant problems in the state of Georgia. That's why all adults ages 65 and older should take that first step on the road to better health by asking their doctors or health care providers about the Medicare screenings."
Local advocates, including Dr. John Johnson, a primary care physician in the Atlanta area and Cathie Berger of the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging, answered questions about screening, detection and the importance of prevention and treatment, while encouraging older adults to share this message with other older adults in their communities. Mary Grealy, president of the Healthcare Leadership Council, moderated the discussion.
"The Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging will pick up the ball from Dominique and run with it into next year, continuing the good work that's beginning right here, today," said Cathie Berger, Director, Atlanta Regional Commission/Aging Service Division. "As sponsor of metro Atlanta RSVP, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, ARC will turn to our volunteers from the RSVP Senior Corps to be ambassadors in their communities, delivering messages about diabetes and the Medicare diabetes screening benefits to older adults throughout the Atlanta area. The volunteers will help deliver the message that the essential first step for prevention is screening."
Today's event is one example of how the MDSP is working with city officials, senior centers, churches, and other community-based organizations to promote use of Medicare's benefits for diabetes screening. Wilkins and the MDSP are also partnering with the Atlanta Hawks and will be distributing information about the free Medicare diabetes screening benefit during the November 12th and 14th Hawks home games at Philips Arena.
About the Medicare Screening Project
The Medicare Diabetes Screening Project in Atlanta is a community-based effort to reach and motivate seniors who have undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes, and encourage them to see their doctors or other health care providers, and take advantage of the free diabetes screening benefits offered by Medicare. Attached is a list of Georgia organizations involved with the MDSP "Get a Jump on Diabetes" campaign. To learn more, visit www.screenfordiabetes.org.
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Monday, September 13, 2010
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Names Morgan Kendrick Corporate Chair for Its Annual Walk to Cure Diabetes
/PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has announced that Morgan Kendrick, incoming president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa), will serve as the Corporate Chair for its annual fundraising event, Walk to Cure Diabetes. As the JDRF Georgia Chapter's largest event, the Walk is expected to bring together more than 10,000 diabetes supporters. The event is scheduled in Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, and Johns Creek at State Farm Technology Park on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010.
"Diabetes is becoming an epidemic in our country, and chances are we all know someone impacted by this disease. This is certainly true for me, and many of our 3,000 employees and 3 million members in Georgia, and that's why we have chosen to partner with JDRF and the Walk to Cure Diabetes. We want to make a real difference in the lives of those that we touch," said Kendrick.
In 2009, the Walk raised more than $2.1 million to fund research to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. With the assistance of BCBSGa, JDRF plans to once again exceed $2 million and accelerate the cure for this widespread disease.
"We are enthusiastic to once again have the support of BCBSGa at the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes. The exceptional growth and success of the Walk is a direct result of our loyal partners, like BCBSGa," said Clanci Jordan, JDRF Georgia executive director.
As many as 3 million people in the U.S. are now living with Type 1 diabetes. Each year, more than 15,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes - that's 40 children per day. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education.
Corporate sponsorships, corporate Walk Teams and Family Walk Teams will be the key to the success of the Walk to Cure Diabetes. For more information about JDRF, the critical research they fund and how you can help, call 404-420-5990, or visit www.jdrf.org.
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"Diabetes is becoming an epidemic in our country, and chances are we all know someone impacted by this disease. This is certainly true for me, and many of our 3,000 employees and 3 million members in Georgia, and that's why we have chosen to partner with JDRF and the Walk to Cure Diabetes. We want to make a real difference in the lives of those that we touch," said Kendrick.
In 2009, the Walk raised more than $2.1 million to fund research to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. With the assistance of BCBSGa, JDRF plans to once again exceed $2 million and accelerate the cure for this widespread disease.
"We are enthusiastic to once again have the support of BCBSGa at the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes. The exceptional growth and success of the Walk is a direct result of our loyal partners, like BCBSGa," said Clanci Jordan, JDRF Georgia executive director.
As many as 3 million people in the U.S. are now living with Type 1 diabetes. Each year, more than 15,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes - that's 40 children per day. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education.
Corporate sponsorships, corporate Walk Teams and Family Walk Teams will be the key to the success of the Walk to Cure Diabetes. For more information about JDRF, the critical research they fund and how you can help, call 404-420-5990, or visit www.jdrf.org.
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Monday, July 12, 2010
2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes: JDRF Georgia Chapter and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ga. Need Your Help
/PRNewswire/ -- As the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's (JDRF) largest and most successful event, the Walk to Cure Diabetes brings together corporations, families, friends and schools to walk three miles in support of the three million Americans living with type 1 diabetes. This year's event will take place Saturday, October 16, at Centennial Olympic Park and Sunday, October 17, at Johns Creek Technology Park.
For the second year in a row Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) will team up with JDRF as the Presenting Partner of the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes. "JDRF is immensely appreciative of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's continued participation," said Clanci Jordan, Executive Director. "With the support of our partners, the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes is expected to once again exceed $2 million dollars to bring us one step closer to the ultimate finish line-a cure for type 1 diabetes."
"It was important for us to sponsor the Walk to Cure Diabetes again this year," said Monye Connolly, President, BCBSGA. "It is our mission to have a direct impact on the well-being of the customers we serve and the overall health of our communities, and JDRF helps us in achieving this mission."
There is still time for additional companies to become a part of the Walk to Cure Diabetes and help find a cure for the more than 400,000 Georgians living with this disease. JDRF will host a Corporate Recruitment Breakfast at the Buckhead Club on Thursday, July 15, 2010, at 7:15 a.m. For more information on this opportunity or to attend, call 770-395-5957.
Additional Partners of the JDRF Georgia Chapter Walk to Cure Diabetes include, Aflac, AGL Resources, Belk, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Crunchmaster, Delta Air Lines, Geico, Medtronic, Mohawk, Novo Nordisk, Siemens Energy and Andretti Indoor Karting and Games.
JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes National Sponsors are: Advance Auto Parts, Delta, Ford Motor Company, LifeScan, Marshalls, Turner and Walgreens.
For further information on JDRF or the Walk to Cure Diabetes visit www.jdrfgeorgia.org or call Angie Hammond at 770-395-5957.
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For the second year in a row Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) will team up with JDRF as the Presenting Partner of the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes. "JDRF is immensely appreciative of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's continued participation," said Clanci Jordan, Executive Director. "With the support of our partners, the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes is expected to once again exceed $2 million dollars to bring us one step closer to the ultimate finish line-a cure for type 1 diabetes."
"It was important for us to sponsor the Walk to Cure Diabetes again this year," said Monye Connolly, President, BCBSGA. "It is our mission to have a direct impact on the well-being of the customers we serve and the overall health of our communities, and JDRF helps us in achieving this mission."
There is still time for additional companies to become a part of the Walk to Cure Diabetes and help find a cure for the more than 400,000 Georgians living with this disease. JDRF will host a Corporate Recruitment Breakfast at the Buckhead Club on Thursday, July 15, 2010, at 7:15 a.m. For more information on this opportunity or to attend, call 770-395-5957.
Additional Partners of the JDRF Georgia Chapter Walk to Cure Diabetes include, Aflac, AGL Resources, Belk, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Crunchmaster, Delta Air Lines, Geico, Medtronic, Mohawk, Novo Nordisk, Siemens Energy and Andretti Indoor Karting and Games.
JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes National Sponsors are: Advance Auto Parts, Delta, Ford Motor Company, LifeScan, Marshalls, Turner and Walgreens.
For further information on JDRF or the Walk to Cure Diabetes visit www.jdrfgeorgia.org or call Angie Hammond at 770-395-5957.
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
Celebrity Link to Type 1 Diabetes Further Connects the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Georgia Chapter and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Georgia
/PRNewswire/ -- For Laura Putnam and her children, this past Saturday night will be one to remember for a very long time. Thanks to the efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA), a family from Columbus, GA had a brush with fame - an in-person meet-and-greet with the Jonas Brothers in Atlanta.
Putnam, a BCBSGA employee with two of her three children (Tommy, 11 and Lauren, 14) diagnosed and living with type 1 diabetes, was chosen as the on-site JDRF Ambassador family for BCBSGA's efforts supporting the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes at Centennial Olympic Park on Oct. 17. When JDRF heard about the family's love for the Jonas Brothers, they went to work, securing them four tickets and a special chance to meet their idol, Nick Jonas, who is an active spokesperson for JDRF as he too is diagnosed and living with type 1 diabetes.
"The JDRF organization and BCBSGA have been there for us during our family's most difficult moments," said Laura Putnam. "Being able to attend the Jonas Brothers concert and meet them in person was an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime gift for my children. Nick Jonas is so open about his diabetes and is such a role model for my kids - he encourages all children to be dedicated to their health, openly pursue their dreams and never let anything slow them down."
"JDRF is immensely appreciative of BCBSGA's continued participation," said Clanci Jordan, Executive Director. "This is corporate citizenship at its finest. BCBSGA's commitment enables us to accelerate research to find a cure for diabetes. Insulin is not a cure, merely life support for the estimated 3 million Americans suffering from type 1 diabetes and its complications. Research is the only answer."
More than 7,000 walkers representing local corporations, families, schools and other organizations are expected to participate in JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes in Atlanta, where there will be live music, Moon Bounces, and a variety of food and entertainment. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. and the entire walk is approximately three miles long. The fundraising goal of the Walk is to realize more than $2 million for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. Local JDRF Walk Sponsors include: BCBSGA, Cisco, AT&T, Melvin S. Roos & Co., InterContinental Hotels Group and Delta Airlines.
"At BCBSGA, we choose to align with organizations that support our core health initiatives and have a track record for delivering on their promises, which ultimately result in a measurable affect on the community - JDRF does this and so much more," said Monye Connolly, President, BCBSGA. "It is our mission to have a direct impact on the well-being of the customers we serve and the overall health of our communities."
The Columbus walk on Oct. 3 will be host to approximately 1,000 walkers and is expected to raise $120,000. This year two new walks have been added in Georgia: a North Metro Atlanta Walk in the Johns Creek area will take place Oct. 4 and is anticipated to have 3,000 walkers raising $350,000; and in Augusta a new site will be host to the walk on Nov. 7.
In addition to wide-spread corporate support, entire families from kids to grandparents take part in the fundraising efforts of the Walk to Cure Diabetes - many are affected, but even those who are not among the 14 million Americans with a personal connection to type 1 diabetes participate. Currently, there are approximately 500,000 Georgians living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
The celebrity connection doesn't stop with Nick Jonas, actor Kevin Kline is the National Chair of JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes. Mr. Kline has been a celebrity JDRF advocate for the past four years.
"Those of us who are blessed with good health must do all we can to help support the research community in their search for a cure for juvenile diabetes," said Kevin Kline. "The daily regimen of finger pricks and injections of insulin, combined with the constant dread of complications, are burdens that no child should have to endure."
JDRF Walks are held in more than 200 cities worldwide. Nearly 500,000 people nationally walked last year and raised $94 million to cure diabetes.
JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes National Corporate Partners include: Advance Auto Parts, Albertsons, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Discover Financial Services, Ford Motor Company, Fresh Market, Lifescan, Marshalls, Old Orchard, UBS, Turner and Walgreens. Unite to Cure Diabetes partners are: Delta Air Lines, and Medtronic MiniMed.
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Putnam, a BCBSGA employee with two of her three children (Tommy, 11 and Lauren, 14) diagnosed and living with type 1 diabetes, was chosen as the on-site JDRF Ambassador family for BCBSGA's efforts supporting the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes at Centennial Olympic Park on Oct. 17. When JDRF heard about the family's love for the Jonas Brothers, they went to work, securing them four tickets and a special chance to meet their idol, Nick Jonas, who is an active spokesperson for JDRF as he too is diagnosed and living with type 1 diabetes.
"The JDRF organization and BCBSGA have been there for us during our family's most difficult moments," said Laura Putnam. "Being able to attend the Jonas Brothers concert and meet them in person was an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime gift for my children. Nick Jonas is so open about his diabetes and is such a role model for my kids - he encourages all children to be dedicated to their health, openly pursue their dreams and never let anything slow them down."
"JDRF is immensely appreciative of BCBSGA's continued participation," said Clanci Jordan, Executive Director. "This is corporate citizenship at its finest. BCBSGA's commitment enables us to accelerate research to find a cure for diabetes. Insulin is not a cure, merely life support for the estimated 3 million Americans suffering from type 1 diabetes and its complications. Research is the only answer."
More than 7,000 walkers representing local corporations, families, schools and other organizations are expected to participate in JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes in Atlanta, where there will be live music, Moon Bounces, and a variety of food and entertainment. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. and the entire walk is approximately three miles long. The fundraising goal of the Walk is to realize more than $2 million for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. Local JDRF Walk Sponsors include: BCBSGA, Cisco, AT&T, Melvin S. Roos & Co., InterContinental Hotels Group and Delta Airlines.
"At BCBSGA, we choose to align with organizations that support our core health initiatives and have a track record for delivering on their promises, which ultimately result in a measurable affect on the community - JDRF does this and so much more," said Monye Connolly, President, BCBSGA. "It is our mission to have a direct impact on the well-being of the customers we serve and the overall health of our communities."
The Columbus walk on Oct. 3 will be host to approximately 1,000 walkers and is expected to raise $120,000. This year two new walks have been added in Georgia: a North Metro Atlanta Walk in the Johns Creek area will take place Oct. 4 and is anticipated to have 3,000 walkers raising $350,000; and in Augusta a new site will be host to the walk on Nov. 7.
In addition to wide-spread corporate support, entire families from kids to grandparents take part in the fundraising efforts of the Walk to Cure Diabetes - many are affected, but even those who are not among the 14 million Americans with a personal connection to type 1 diabetes participate. Currently, there are approximately 500,000 Georgians living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
The celebrity connection doesn't stop with Nick Jonas, actor Kevin Kline is the National Chair of JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes. Mr. Kline has been a celebrity JDRF advocate for the past four years.
"Those of us who are blessed with good health must do all we can to help support the research community in their search for a cure for juvenile diabetes," said Kevin Kline. "The daily regimen of finger pricks and injections of insulin, combined with the constant dread of complications, are burdens that no child should have to endure."
JDRF Walks are held in more than 200 cities worldwide. Nearly 500,000 people nationally walked last year and raised $94 million to cure diabetes.
JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes National Corporate Partners include: Advance Auto Parts, Albertsons, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Discover Financial Services, Ford Motor Company, Fresh Market, Lifescan, Marshalls, Old Orchard, UBS, Turner and Walgreens. Unite to Cure Diabetes partners are: Delta Air Lines, and Medtronic MiniMed.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Fighting Three Diseases At Once
(NAPSI)-Americans seem to be all business when it comes to charity, with people in the U.S. donating more than $306 billion last year alone, according to recent numbers from the Giving USA Foundation.
Now, a new checking program from a major U.S. bank may help those numbers grow even further by making it easier for people to support the fight against three of the most common life-threatening diseases--cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
It's the type of effort experts such as Patrick M. Rooney, interim executive director of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, say people are more than happy to join.
"Our research shows that people want to give back to society and make an impact on the greater community," he explains.
Called Unite. Give. Cure.™, the program lets people use a Bank of America check card to show their support for the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association. It's an extension of the popular MyExpression™ suite of banking products that enables customers to give back more and show their loyalty to their favorite charity, school, professional organization or sports team.
There are nearly 24 million Americans with diabetes and another 57 million at risk. 2008 statistics from the American Cancer Society show that approximately 11 million are living with cancer, while coronary heart disease and strokes kill approximately 870,000 Americans annually. Through the program, the bank will provide contributions to these organizations through the following methods:
• The bank will make a contribution to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association for every new Unite. Give. Cure. checking account opened.
• The bank will make an additional contribution to each of these organizations at the anniversary of the account opening.
• Every time a customer makes a purchase using his or her Unite. Give. Cure. check card, an additional contribution will be made to each of these organizations by the bank. Certain restrictions apply including balance requirements.
For more information, visit www.bankofamerica.com/unitegivecure.
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Now, a new checking program from a major U.S. bank may help those numbers grow even further by making it easier for people to support the fight against three of the most common life-threatening diseases--cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
It's the type of effort experts such as Patrick M. Rooney, interim executive director of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, say people are more than happy to join.
"Our research shows that people want to give back to society and make an impact on the greater community," he explains.
Called Unite. Give. Cure.™, the program lets people use a Bank of America check card to show their support for the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association. It's an extension of the popular MyExpression™ suite of banking products that enables customers to give back more and show their loyalty to their favorite charity, school, professional organization or sports team.
There are nearly 24 million Americans with diabetes and another 57 million at risk. 2008 statistics from the American Cancer Society show that approximately 11 million are living with cancer, while coronary heart disease and strokes kill approximately 870,000 Americans annually. Through the program, the bank will provide contributions to these organizations through the following methods:
• The bank will make a contribution to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association for every new Unite. Give. Cure. checking account opened.
• The bank will make an additional contribution to each of these organizations at the anniversary of the account opening.
• Every time a customer makes a purchase using his or her Unite. Give. Cure. check card, an additional contribution will be made to each of these organizations by the bank. Certain restrictions apply including balance requirements.
For more information, visit www.bankofamerica.com/unitegivecure.
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Monday, February 18, 2008
Mr. Diabetes(R) Hits 9,000 Mile Mark of 10,000+ Mile Walk to Raise Awareness About Diabetes
PRNewswire/ -- In rural Milledgeville, Georgia, 62 year old insulin-dependent Andy Mandell -- Mr. Diabetes(R), completed mile 9,000 of his 10,000+ mile perimeter walk of the United States raising awareness about the disease that nearly took his life.
"I've hit milestones in San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, and Washington DC, but small communities have the same rate of diabetes, only fewer resources to manage it. We can beat this disease locally, but it isn't going to happen on a national level. Unchecked, diabetes, which costs the U.S. $225 billion annually, will bankrupt our healthcare system," said Mandell.
Top diabetes researchers agree that a cure is at least 20 years away. The key to stopping diabetes is awareness and prevention through personal responsibility and lifestyle changes. Losing 10 - 15 pounds can make all the difference. Cut out fast food, snack foods and soda. Add 5-9 servings of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains to your daily diet.
"Pursue a more active lifestyle, like walking. Begin with ten minutes a day and increase the time gradually. It's a great way for families to catch up and get healthier at the same time," says Mandell. "These simple steps can delay the onset of diabetes and will help minimize complications," Mandell concluded.
Before THE WALK(TM) began there wasn't nearly the focus about diabetes that exists today. Mandell believes his efforts have impacted diabetes. THE WALK(TM) has captured the imagination of the public and Mr. Diabetes(R) is living proof that diabetics are neither helpless nor hopeless.
About the Wake Up and Walk(R) Tour
Now in its 7th and final year, Mr. Diabetes(R) is the sole walker. You may have seen him walking state highways in his brightly colored safety vest and walking pole. He's walked through 33 states, crossed 100 major rivers, 4 time zones (twice!), and gone through 22 pairs of walking shoes. He has met one-on-one with over 60,000 individuals and received over 100 Proclamations by Senators, Congressmen, Governors and Mayors. Through appearances and meetings at hospitals, such as Loma Linda, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, schools, civic organizations, and the media he has reached over 65 million Americans. The Walk(R) continues through Florida before reaching the finish line in Madeira Beach, Florida in December of 2008.
For more information about diabetes, THE WALK(TM) and to make a tax-deductible donation: http://www.defeatdiabetes.org/
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"I've hit milestones in San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, and Washington DC, but small communities have the same rate of diabetes, only fewer resources to manage it. We can beat this disease locally, but it isn't going to happen on a national level. Unchecked, diabetes, which costs the U.S. $225 billion annually, will bankrupt our healthcare system," said Mandell.
Top diabetes researchers agree that a cure is at least 20 years away. The key to stopping diabetes is awareness and prevention through personal responsibility and lifestyle changes. Losing 10 - 15 pounds can make all the difference. Cut out fast food, snack foods and soda. Add 5-9 servings of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains to your daily diet.
"Pursue a more active lifestyle, like walking. Begin with ten minutes a day and increase the time gradually. It's a great way for families to catch up and get healthier at the same time," says Mandell. "These simple steps can delay the onset of diabetes and will help minimize complications," Mandell concluded.
Before THE WALK(TM) began there wasn't nearly the focus about diabetes that exists today. Mandell believes his efforts have impacted diabetes. THE WALK(TM) has captured the imagination of the public and Mr. Diabetes(R) is living proof that diabetics are neither helpless nor hopeless.
About the Wake Up and Walk(R) Tour
Now in its 7th and final year, Mr. Diabetes(R) is the sole walker. You may have seen him walking state highways in his brightly colored safety vest and walking pole. He's walked through 33 states, crossed 100 major rivers, 4 time zones (twice!), and gone through 22 pairs of walking shoes. He has met one-on-one with over 60,000 individuals and received over 100 Proclamations by Senators, Congressmen, Governors and Mayors. Through appearances and meetings at hospitals, such as Loma Linda, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, schools, civic organizations, and the media he has reached over 65 million Americans. The Walk(R) continues through Florida before reaching the finish line in Madeira Beach, Florida in December of 2008.
For more information about diabetes, THE WALK(TM) and to make a tax-deductible donation: http://www.defeatdiabetes.org/
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