The American Diabetes Association Shines Literal Light on a Disease That Affects Millions During American Diabetes Month(R)
Photo Exhibit From Pulitzer Prize-Winner and HD Projection at Union Station Will Light Up Washington, DC, With Images of the Extraordinary Steps Ordinary People Take to Live With Diabetes
ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwire - Nov 12, 2012) - Today, the American Diabetes Association prepares to take its annual effort to raise the profile of diabetes to a larger-than-life stage: Washington DC's iconic Union Station. This year's American Diabetes Month activities will culminate with a compelling HD projection on the interior of Union Station, helping to spread awareness of a disease that affects nearly 26 million Americans, with another 79 million at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Managing diabetes is no small feat, making even the simplest daily tasks -- grocery shopping, going to school or work -- take extraordinary effort to accomplish. Since Oct. 1, people have been asked to share images that represent what A Day in the Life of Diabetes means to them. For every photo uploaded, CVS/pharmacy® will donate $1 to the Association, up to $25,000.
A variety of images continue to be submitted, but all are reflective of how diabetes impacts the everyday lives of those touched by the disease. The images will be curated and used in the projection at Union Station, which will launch Tuesday evening and coincide with World Diabetes Day on Wednesday. Each year on World Diabetes Day, the American Diabetes Association joins the International Diabetes Federation to raise awareness of diabetes and celebrate the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin.
People can view the projection each night from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. In addition, Pulitzer prize-winning photographer Jay Dickman's visual narrative, A Day in the Life of Diabetes, will be on display starting Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday, until 10 p.m. Dickman lost his brother-in-law to diabetes several years ago and has created this project, and donated his time, in his honor.
"Diabetes is an enormous issue for our country, and therefore deserves an enormous stage to tell its story," said Larry Hausner, CEO, American Diabetes Association. "Using the power of social media and Union Station as a canvas, A Day in the Life of Diabetes will demonstrate the increasing impact diabetes has on our families, friends and the future of our country."
The statistics are staggering, yet people don't understand the severity of diabetes. It already affects millions and if current trends continue, as many as one in three American adults will have the disease by 2050. Diabetes kills more people than breast cancer and AIDS combined and costs Americans more than $174 billion annually.
"Every 17 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes," said Geralyn Spollett, MSN, ANP-CS, CDE, President, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association. "For too many, diabetes is thought of as a minor hindrance rather than a life-changing disease. Our goal is to use American Diabetes Month to reveal what a day in the life of diabetes is really like."
American Diabetes Month is sponsored by the CVS/pharmacy ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes® savings program exclusively for those living with the disease as well as their caregivers. To sign up and learn more, visit CVS.com/diabetes.
Additionally, a number of corporate supporters will join the Association in its efforts this month including: The Biggest Loser Resorts®, Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly, Bumble Bee Foods, Boar's Head, Catherines, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Merisant makers of Equal® and Pure Via®, Medtronics, Novo Nordisk, Nutrisystem®D®, Rite Aid Pharmacies, Sanofi, Slimming World and Walgreens.
To learn more and join the conversation, visit facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation or follow us at twitter.com/AmDiabetesAssn and by using the hashtag #diabetesmonth.
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.
