Tens Of Thousands Of American Diabetes Association Volunteers Honored For Their Fight Against Diabetes During National Volunteer Appreciation Week

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 22 Apr 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Unwilling to sit on the sidelines, thousands of people around the country are standing up to the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century. In recognition of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 27-May 3, 2008), the American Diabetes Association (ADA) wants to recognize the countless hours its volunteers commit to the fight against diabetes.

One in four Americans has diabetes or is at serious risk of developing type 2 diabetes. ADA volunteers help to stem the tide of this disease by raising money for research, fighting discrimination, and educating their communities about diabetes and its complications.

"ADA is fortunate to have tens of thousands of world-class volunteers," Larry Hausner, CEO, American Diabetes Association. "These volunteers are the heart and soul of the Association. Without them, we would not be able to carry out our mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes."

Below are a few of the countless ADA volunteers who are involved in the fight against diabetes. A salute to ADA volunteers, including personal stories from around the country, can be found here.

John Buse, MD, PhD, ADA President, Medicine & Science, Chapel Hill, NC

- Dr. Buse's involvement with ADA goes back to his childhood when he traveled to the Association's Annual Scientific Sessions with his parents, who are diabetes specialists, engaged in research, clinical care, and teaching.
- He serves as an ADA spokesperson and advocate on scientific and medical matters.
- "If we each do what we can, whether it is fundraising for diabetes research or contacting our elected officials to support diabetes programs, we will move closer to finding a cure - something I hope to see in my lifetime."

Ann Albright, PhD, RD, ADA President, Health Care & Education, Atlanta, GA

- Dr. Albright has made diabetes her personal mission. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was nine years old.
- She serves as an ADA spokesperson and advocate on issues related to health care and education.
- "Diabetes affects so many Americans. We need to be diligent in protecting the rights of people living with diabetes by working to end discrimination in schools and workplaces (and places of public accommodation). We also need to improve and protect access to health care for people with diabetes and expand efforts to prevent diabetes."

R. Stewart Perry, ADA Chair of the Board, Lexington, KY

- Mr. Perry has been an active ADA volunteer since he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1990.
- He oversees ADA's affairs and manages policy, goals, and direction of the Association.
- "Each ADA volunteer is extremely valuable. They bring their passion, their tears, their joy and their dedication to everything they do for ADA."

Robert Charles Garrett, FACHE, ADA Secretary/Treasurer, Hackensack, NJ

- Mr. Garrett has been an active ADA volunteer leader since 2003.
- He works with the CFO to ensure fiscal responsibility and help further the association's mission.
- "My mother died of a diabetes-related heart attack. So I know from personal experience the impact of this disease. And I want to do everything I can to help ADA focus on strategies to increase our successes, so we can reach more people, do more research, and change more lives."

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

American Diabetes Association