Provides children from low-income families the opportunity to learn important diabetes management skills in a fun and safe environment
INDIANAPOLIS and ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lilly Diabetes today announced its commitment to send 89 children to diabetes camp this summer through a collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (Association).
Lilly Diabetes donated 89 camp scholarships to the Association's 2012 camp scholarship fund – one scholarship for each year Lilly Diabetes has supported the needs of those living with diabetes, beginning in 1923 when Lilly introduced the world's first commercial insulin.
More than 400 diabetes camping programs exist worldwide serving approximately 30,000 youth with diabetes and their families. Diabetes summer camps give campers the opportunity to interact with others with diabetes in a positive environment. Themes of leadership, growth and learning are paired with traditional camp activities such as sports and arts and crafts.
"Diabetes summer camp is a place where children learn self-esteem, peer relationships, independence and diabetes management skills that last a lifetime," said L. Hunter Limbaugh, chair of the board, American Diabetes Association. "We are thrilled that Lilly Diabetes is investing in the futures of young people with diabetes by investing in our camp scholarship fund."
The camp scholarships, equivalent to $89,000, will give children living with diabetes from low-income families the opportunity to attend diabetes camp for approximately one week. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, and families can apply directly to the diabetes camp they want their child to attend.
"Diabetes camps provide education on diabetes management and personal development that often lead to newfound confidence for many campers. Campers who may not have taken charge of their care before, can begin to feel empowered and eager to learn more about their own health and wellbeing," said Steve Sugino, vice president of Lilly Diabetes. "Invaluable experiences like these are just a few of the many reasons that Lilly Diabetes supports diabetes camps through our collaboration with the Association."
In addition to ongoing scholarship donations since 2000, Lilly Diabetes' support of diabetes camps includes insulin donations and a broad range of programs and services that help bring the camp experience to life for each child. Lilly offers annual motivational speaker visits by three-time Olympic cross-country skier Kris Freeman, diabetes educational kits for campers contained in sturdy L.L. Bean® bookpacks, and caregiver educational materials as well as employee volunteers for camps that need an extra hand.
The American Diabetes Association is the single largest operator of diabetes camps for children with diabetes, with 41 camps located throughout the U.S. offering 53 sessions each summer. Since 2000, Lilly Diabetes has been one of the largest providers of insulin and other diabetes medicines, educational materials, volunteers, scholarships, and special guests to the Association's diabetes camps.
For more information on the Association's diabetes camps and how to apply for a camp scholarship, visit www.diabetes.org/camp. Additional information about Lilly Diabetes' support of diabetes camps can be found at www.lillydiabetes.com.
About the American Diabetes Association
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.
About Lilly Diabetes
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world's first commercial insulin. Today we work to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes through research and collaboration, a broad and growing product portfolio and a continued commitment to providing real solutions–from medicines to support programs and more–to make lives better. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com.
About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers—through medicines and information—for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.
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For information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com or www.diabetes.org
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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company