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The American Diabetes Association is celebrating their volunteers this week during National Volunteer Appreciation Week (NVAW), April 21-27, 2013. The Association recognizes all of the volunteers who devote their time throughout the year to Stop Diabetes®.

“The Association’s volunteers’ dedication and passion are crucial in strengthening our movement and bringing awareness to our mission,” said Karen Talmadge, PhD, Chair of the Board. “Their involvement helps us expand our community outreach, inspire healthy living, fund talented diabetes researchers and intensify our advocacy efforts. It also upholds our reputation as the moving force and trusted leader in the diabetes community. We couldn’t be in this fight to Stop Diabetes without them.”

This year’s NVAW theme is Celebrating Service for People Touched By Diabetes. One person who has been touched by diabetes is volunteer Cynthia J. Levy. Both Cynthia’s husband and twin daughters have type 1 diabetes. This has inspired Cynthia with her volunteer leadership, serving on multiple committees and leadership boards, fundraising for Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes and Tour de Cure, and chairing numerous fundraisers in her Northern Illinois community. She is the Association’s 2012 recipient of the Addison B. Scoville Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

“Volunteering has provided an opportunity to meet other committed individuals who share my passion for making a difference in the lives of those with diabetes,” commented Levy.

If you’d like to nominate someone who has gone above and beyond for a National Service Achievement Award, please visit: www.diabetes.org/awards.

Diabetes statistics show that one in three American adults are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. And out of the nearly 26 million Americans with diabetes, one-fourth of them, or about 7 million, does not realize they have the disease. Our volunteers can help spread the word about the seriousness of diabetes. To find a volunteer opportunity near you visit: www.diabetes.org/volunteer.