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American Diabetes Association Introduces "I Decide To Fight Diabetes" Day
New campaign component supports ADA’s newest initiative by strengthening involvement among individuals throughout organization and workplace settings
To complement its "I Decide To Fight Diabetes" campaign, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) announces two new ways for people to join ADA in the fight against diabetes: The "I Decide Day" ("ID Day"), and personalized "I Decide" logo products.
To help lead the fight, health and fitness pioneer- Donna Richardson Joyner, has joined with the ADA to encourage others to commit to the fight against diabetes. "My passion in life is to create social awareness of the importance of health, to get people to commit to living a healthier lifestyle by strengthening their minds, bodies and spirits.” “I know we can all take small steps to help prevent and manage this disease! It’s a fight for us, our friends and our loved ones."
Nearly 21 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes. Another 54 million are at risk. If current trends continue, one in three Americans (one in two minorities), born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Diabetes costs Americans hundreds of millions of dollars in treatment fees and can lead to heart attack, nerve damage, lower-limb amputations, blindness, kidney failure, coma and death.
"I Decide To Fight Diabetes" is a fundraising campaign designed to motivate those affected by diabetes to take action to stop diabetes in its tracks and inspire everyone to live healthier lives and make better choices when it comes to preventing and managing diabetes. Proceeds from the monies raised through the "ID Day" and personalized "I Decide" logo products will support ADA's research, information and advocacy efforts across the country.
The "ID Day" will raise the level of awareness by inviting people everywhere—in the workplace, at school, and in organizations—to participate. “ID Day” is a day of action where participants are urged to jumpstart their personal fight against the disease. Those involved in “ID Day” are asked to pledge $5, eat a healthy lunch, and wear sneakers to work in order to take an afternoon exercise break – all to actively become engaged in the fight against diabetes.
"I Decide" is symbolized by a signature sterling silver charm—a representation of the commitment to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by the disease. In addition to the charm, people can transform a picture of themselves or a loved one into their very own "I Decide" logo, putting a face to the fight against diabetes. With a few mouse clicks, visitors can select a t-shirt, totebag, mug, magnet or postage stamp, and have their ID personalized logo printed on the items.
To show your support and to get your charm or logo gear, call 1-800-DIABETES or visit http://www.diabetes.org/community-events/programs/i-decide/
"It is too easy for Americans to put diabetes out of sight and out of mind," explains Larry C. Deeb, MD President, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association. "Wearing the 'I Decide' charm and personalized logo products is a way to remind everyone that diabetes is not going away. Diabetes now kills more people than breast cancer and AIDS combined and the 'I Decide' charm is the visual wake-up call all Americans need. This is a rallying cry for everyone to get informed about diabetes and decide to fight before it’s too late."
The I Decide To Fight Diabetes Campaign is supported by National Charter Sponsors, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Liberty Medical.
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
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