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Celebrity Corner
Joan Allen
More than 200 guests gathered to raise $275,000 in lifesaving funds at the America Diabetes Associations Women of Valor Gala Awards Dinner on May 11 at the Westin Copley Place Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. Tony Award Winning and Academy Award Nominated Actress, Joan Allen, emceed the event, which honored three women who have used their position, power, and influence to better the lives of those touched by diabetes. Patti LaBelle, a true singing legend, was one of the three women honored. LaBelle said that she was thankful that she passed out on stage during a concert performance 10 years ago. That dramatic moment resulted in a diabetes diagnosis for the two-time Grammy-winning diva. Knowing she now has diabetes enables LaBelle to control the condition and continue her stellar career.
Pictured at right is Academy Award Nominated Actress, Joan Allen with Kris Freeman, 2006 US Grand National Champion and Olympic athlete, at the recent American Diabetes Association's Women of Valor Awards in Boston, Massachusetts. At age 19, Kris qualified to train with the U.S. Cross-Country Ski Team, but just three months after beginning, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Kris volunteered his time and talent during the live auction, and offered the highest bidder in the fight against diabetes a personal Nordic ski lesson adventure with their very own set of personally autographed Fischer skis, poles and bindings!
The Blind Boys of Alabama
Grammy-winning gospel group the Blind Boys of Alabama donated $5,000 to the American Diabetes Association. In addition, the Blind Boys of Alabama donated a percentage of proceeds from their Christmas album, "Go Tell It On the Mountain," to the American Diabetes Association in support of research, information, and African American outreach efforts.
This album features an array of guests including Aaron Neville, Tom Waits, Solomon Burke, Chrissie Hynde, Mavis Staples, and Shelby Lynne. Learn more about this outstanding album by visiting their site.
Since the band formed at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in the late 1930s, the three remaining original members have been all over the world spreading soulful gospel music and good times. The band recently won two Grammy awards and has appeared on The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, and performed at the White House.
All three founding members of the band, Clarence Fountain, Jimmy Carter, and George Scott have diabetes and thus, a strong personal interest in furthering diabetes research, information, and advocacy.
Update
George Scott, a founding member of the Blind Boys of Alabama gospel group, died in his sleep March 9, 2005 at his home in Durham, NC. He was 75.
Daryl Coley
Daryl Coley shares his talents and resources with the American Diabetes Association to bring awareness of the risks of developing diabetes and its complications. Pastor Coley's efforts include outreach to the African American and gospel music communities through his own radio Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and by using the Association's African American print PSAs.
Pastor Coley is one of the most respected writers, producers, musicians, and singers in the music industry. With a career spanning more than three decades, Coley is considered an A-level artist and has been nominated for and/or won several Grammy®, Dove® and Stellar® Awards. Coley is best known for his work with the Hawkins family, and his solo career was launched at a Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) conference. His current release, "Just Daryl" is a collection of re-mastered classic songs such as "II Chronicles" and "Nobody Like the Lord."
Ossie Davis
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee at an American Diabetes Association sponsored clergy brunch in the Bronx with Maudene Nelson, Past National Chair, African American Program Project Team.
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee shared their talents with the American Diabetes Association in New York City to bring awareness of the risks of developing diabetes. Their daughter, Nora Day, has diabetes and they have stated they want to do all they can in the fight against diabetes.
Listen to radio PSAs featuring Ossie Davis, encouraging people to learn more about diabetes.
Update
Ossie Davis, actor, playwright, and civil rights giant, died February 4, 2005 while on location in Miami for a film shoot. Ossie Davis will be remembered for his stage and screen work as well as his prominent role in the civil rights movement.
Marc Dorsey
Singer, songwriter, producer Marc Dorsey has made a life long commitment to support the American Diabetes Association. Marc is always working on new ways to touch people through music, but outside of the entertainment industry he is a strong community leader. For over six years his individual efforts of donations, fund raisers, and personal appearances have made a huge impact on bringing awareness and education to young adults about diabetes. His motivation toward this cause stems from his personal life experiences.
Marc's father William Dorsey, Sr., who is a strong role model and influence in his life, has diabetes. Having owned and operated a construction company for over 20 years, he taught Marc to have a strong work ethic and to be passionate about everything he puts his mind too. Marc says he is reminded daily of his father's words, "you are your greatest expectation of yourself." His most recent project was developed out of the sincere desire to help young people gain the values of hard work that were instilled in him at a young age.
It is through these and other life lessons he developed the Dorsey Enrichment Program, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth live positive lives and to gain the knowledge, skills and abilities to work progressively and maintain self sufficiency in their careers. It is through his philanthropic efforts that Marc sees his accomplishments change lives near and far.
NBA Player Chris Dudley
Chris Dudley retired from the National Basketball Association as a 16-year veteran. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 16. Determined to play basketball, he was disciplined about his health and goals.
Dudley attended Yale University and believes that a good education should be available to everyone. His desire is for all children to get a chance to succeed regardless of their liabilities. He started The Dudley Foundation in 1994. The Foundation provides educational programs, advocacy and supports diabetes research. August 2006 marks the ninth Annual Chris Dudley Basketball Camp for Kids with Diabetes in Vernonia, Oregon.
Throughout his career, Dudley has been recognized for his role in the community. In 1996 he received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award and USA Today's Most Caring Athlete Award in 1997.
For more information, visit Chris' Web site
Tony Dungy
In honor of his mother, Tony Dungy, former coach of the Indianapolis Colts, accepted the position as the American Diabetes Association's spokesperson for the African American Program and School Walk for Diabetes.
As spokesperson, his goal is to empower the students and the community to be more active, eat healthier, and to help raise money and awareness in the fight against diabetes.
Dungy believes recruitment and promoting healthy living doesn't end when school is out. He spoke about his commitment to the American Diabetes Association and supporting their mission, in Indianapolis, Indiana at a prayer breakfast held at Scott United Methodist. The prayer breakfast was hosted by the American Diabetes Association and the Indianapolis Community Resurrection Partnership, which bought together more than 75 pastors from the Indianapolis community.
For more information, visit the Indianapolis Colts NFL Web site
