U.S. Ski Champion and Eli Lilly and Company Recognize Outstanding Achievements in Diabetes
May 27 2004 - 2:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
U.S. Ski Champion and Eli Lilly and Company Recognize Outstanding
Achievements in Diabetes National Awards Program Celebrates the
Personal Successes of Individuals in Diabetes Community
INDIANAPOLIS, May 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kris Freeman, the
number one cross-country skier in the United States, has joined Eli
Lilly and Company in announcing the second annual LillyforLife(TM)
Achievement Awards program. Eli Lilly and Company created the
LillyforLife Awards in 2002 to celebrate the inspiring achievements
of people of all ages who live with diabetes. Those recognized do
not have to be well known or famous for their achievements, but can
be everyday people who have accomplished, or are working toward,
exceptional personal success. "Lilly is proud to offer recognition
programs such as the LillyForLife Achievement Awards," said John
Holcombe, M.D., a diabetes expert at Eli Lilly and Company. "These
awards are one way the company honors patients and caregivers who
achieve their goals and aspirations despite living with diabetes."
The awards program is open to people diagnosed with diabetes as
well as anyone involved with the diabetes community. The categories
of submission include: * Patients aged 18 or over * Patients aged
17 or under * Professionals (physician, nurse, educator, advocate,
etc.) * Caretakers/Spouses/Partners * Journalists (to recognize
excellence in reporting/communication on diabetes) Nominations are
now being accepted and the awards will be presented in the fall of
2004. Each winner will choose a diabetes organization to receive a
$1,000 donation from Lilly in the winner's name. This donation will
help fund some of the critical research that is bringing us closer
to finding a cure for diabetes. To learn more about the awards and
the application process, please call 1-888-545-5115 or visit
http://www.lillyforlife.com/ . Kris Freeman - Champion for Diabetes
Awareness U.S. cross-country ski champion Kris Freeman is a proud
spokesperson for Lilly and the LillyforLife Achievement Awards.
Freeman is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and has learned how to
manage his disease to remain competitive. "I know first-hand that
diabetes does not have to hold you back," said Freeman. "By
proactively managing my diabetes with insulin, eating healthfully,
and exercising, I am able to continue my pursuit of a gold medal."
Between trainings, Freeman continues to travel the country with
Lilly, educating others on diabetes and promoting the message that
with proper care, people with diabetes can lead full and active
lifestyles. About Diabetes Diabetes is a progressive disease for
which there is no cure. Approximately 18 million Americans have
diabetes, but one third of those affected do not know they have the
disease. Poorly controlled diabetes is the leading cause of kidney
disease, heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and non-accident
related amputations in the United States. Approximately 180,000
people die of diabetes and related complications each year. In
March 2002 federal health officials and the American Diabetes
Association recognized a new risk category called pre-diabetes. In
November of 2003, the criteria for diagnosing the condition was
changed after research showed that too many at-risk patients were
being missed. Recent estimates show that as many as 41 million
Americans suffer from this condition. Most people do not know they
have pre-diabetes, and unless they act they will likely develop
diabetes within a decade. Eli Lilly and Company Lilly, a leading
innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of
first-in-class and best-in-class 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. Additional information about Lilly is
available at http://www.lilly.com/ . LillyforLife(TM) is a
trademark of Eli Lilly and Company (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031219/LLYLOGO )
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031219/LLYLOGO DATASOURCE:
Eli Lilly and Company CONTACT: Judy Kay Moore of Eli Lilly and
Company, +1-317-277-6265
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