Justin's Journal:
Annual Leadership Council Meeting
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Today I went to an event tonight called the Bluegrass Annual Leadership Council Meeting. There were about 30-40 people in attendance. Dr. Alan Cherrington of Vanderbilt University, and Lynn Nicholas, FACHE, CEO of the American Diabetes Association came up from Tennessee to talk to us about diabetes and the facts about diabetes.
Dr. Cherrington was born in London, England. He grew up in Canada and went to school there, learning from some of the best doctors and professors in the world. He did a great job talking to us about diabetes and the research conducted in Canada. We learned a lot from him by understanding more about diabetes and the importance of managing it to prevent complications. Even if you are a person with diabetes, you can still learn about diabetes and its causes. I have lived with diabetes for 10 years and I am still learning a great deal, especially since I have gotten into the National Youth Advocate perspective of things.
After Dr. Cherrington spoke to us, Stewart Perry, the Vice Chair of the Board of the American Diabetes Association, spoke and then introduced me. I guess I could say that I like being introduced as the National Youth Advocate, but not all the time. I like being introduced as the National Youth Advocate when I am around older people instead of when I am around younger people because when I am around younger people I like to just be one of them, as I am no one different. After he introduced me, I talked about diabetes and what I am going to do as the NYA.
I told the attendees that I am here to serve them and you and not to talk about myself. I am always here to help them and answer their questions and needs when needed. I also told them about how they could become actively involved with the Association. They can volunteer in any of the following categories:
It is always good to volunteer with the American Diabetes Association. If you don't know how to get involved, then contact your local office. If you do not know the contact information for your local office, call 888-DIABETES. You might think that we have enough volunteers, but we always need more.
After I got done talking, Mr. Perry gave me my "official" business cards; I was pretty excited about that. I also received a community service award for my event that I did at Lexington Christian Academy back in April, and an award for placing in the top 5 at our America's Walk for Diabetes.
I would just like to say a couple things about Mr. Perry: he is a great man and has a great perspective on what happens in the American Diabetes Association. He influences the decisions that are being made, and helps out tremendously. I want to thank him for the guidance he provided to me during the application process for becoming the National Youth Advocate.
Finally, the night was great and I don't think it could've been planned any better. The people that organized it did a great job. I am thankful for the people that we have in Lexington. I am so excited to get to be starting as the National Youth Advocate. I want to try to help and visit as many people as I can. Don't hesitate to email me at nya@diabetes.org.
For now!!!
I'd like to hear from you! Email me at nya@diabetes.org.
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