Inspired by Diabetes global contest
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Diet, Lifestyle, Exercise, Fundraisers, Support, Care
Do you or a loved one have diabetes? Are you a healthcare professional caring for people with diabetes? Living with the disease or caring for a person with diabetes is an up and down journey. Inspired by Diabetes is a global campaign asking all those impacted by diabetes to share their story.
The campaign's Creative Expressions Competition just opened to the world on June 21, and is accepting creative entries through January 31, 2008. If you have a creative bent, tell your story through a short essay or narrative; up to three photographs; an original drawing/painting or musical score.
Entries will be judged across category, art type and age group, starting as young as age five. The Grand Prize Winner across each category will win a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice, a trophy and a paid trip for two to the media announcement of the winners and the global exhibition. I wish I could tell you the exhibition is planned for an exotic location, but it hasn't been announced, yet!
Inspired by Diabetes, a collaboration between Eli Lilly and the International Diabetes Federation's Unite for Diabetes Initiative, is bringing those close to the disease together to try and raise awareness of the global burden of diabetes. All entrants will receive two blue circle pins, the global symbol of diabetes. I had never heard of the blue circle before, this is one pin I would like to sport. Perhaps the blue circle will become as powerful and recognizable as the beautiful pink ribbon for cancer awareness.
"World Guy" rolls giant rubber globe 416 miles for diabetes
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Fundraisers, Support, Personalities
Hmm, another "walking for diabetes" fundraiser in the news. But, what's this? Here's a guy walking with a giant inflatable rubber globe. Novel, huh? Check out the picture at right.Erik Bendl, aka "World Guy," is walking 416 miles from his home in Louisville, Kentucky, all the way to Pittsburgh. The plan is to raise money for the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Just as important, Bendl hopes to raise awareness about the condition. Every step of the way, Bendl is rolling his eight-foot-tall globe too. Bendl got the globe from a summer camp, whose staff had no use for it.
Bendl is the son of the late Kentucky state Rep. Gerta Bendl, who suffered from diabetes. Bendl was inspired to do something not only because of his mom's experience, but also by watching lots of other friends deal with the condition. He's encountering lots of good support along the way in the form of conversation, kind words, and meals. "I'm almost brought to tears by people's kindness," he told the Cincinnati Post.
Bendl and the rubber globe are accompanied by Bendl's faithful dog, Nice, who is probably thinking "this is the longest walk pops has ever taken me on!"
Click here to visit Erik Bendl's MySpace blog. He also has a website where supporters are invited to send in a donation for the ADA. Want to talk to the man himself? Go ahead and give him a buzz at (502) 408-5772.
Wild ride: dirt bikers' 24 Hour Torture Test
Filed under: Type 1, Fundraisers
A wild ride to raise funds took place recently in California. Joshua (Josh) Summey's team of motocross riders rode their machines in the 2007 Dirt Rider 24 Hour Torture Test. The team's supporters pledged donations for the American Diabetes Association for every mile the riders completed. And they covered a lot of miles: 277 to be exact. The idea was for the riders to do their bit to fight Type 1 diabetes - Josh Summey is himself diabetic. Backers for the team were Moto XXX and Honda, along with Race Tech suspension and Akrapovic exhausts. The event was organized by Summey's team and Dirt Rider magazine.Josh rode in the contest along with three buddies on a track which was in great condition due to heavy rains in the days leading up to the contest. Apart from some slipping and sliding, it was an excellent time, say the riders. Said team member Barry Summey (no relation), "Even if it was only $1.00 [raised] it will benefit more kids through the exposure that are trying to overcome this obstacle in pursuit of their dreams, whether it be related to motorcycles or not. They can see proof that it can be done and also help them lean how to take care of themselves through Josh's experiences."
Dirt Rider is planning a feature on Josh Summey and how he deals with diabetes. It will appear in an upcoming issue. Stay tuned for that.
According to Dirt Rider magazine, it's not too late for dirt bike fans or anyone else to donate to a good cause. Just call 1-888-342-2383 ext. 7511 or est. 7455 or ext. 7503. Or send a check to the American Diabetes Association. See Dirt Rider's website for further details on how to donate, as well as photos of the guys at the track.
Milk Fund makes a difference for diabetic mom
Filed under: Daily News
Hypothetical exercise: imagine you're the mother of a young family. You're struggling financially. You're diabetic. What do you need the most? What would help you get by? Um, how about medical supplies? Tuition breaks? Canned goods? No. Okay, cash? No. Well, then, I would have to guess...MILK. Yes, correct! The Daily Iberian of Louisiana and the local Social Service Center is sponsoring a fund to provide needy families with milk. They collected $912 this month, which includes a donation of over $300 from a local elementary school fundraising club. Says a representative from the Social Service Center, "The Milk Fund is doing very well. People have been very generous, but there's still a great need." This month, part of the money will provide a month's worth of milk to a diabetic woman who is taking care of her mom in addition to her three kids.
Now, I'm not knocking the idea of milk-gifting. It's very generous on the part of the fundraisers. But, milk? Never heard of that one before. But, hey, if you're in a position to make a donation, here's where to send your check: The Daily Iberian, P.O. Box 9290, New Iberia, LA 70563.