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

Copyright