Dan was a 26 year old, hard-working, fun-loving guy who lived in Stuart, Florida.  Dan enjoyed all types of sports, especially water sports.  Be it boating, skiing, surf-boarding - Dan loved being outdoors having fun with his many friends.  He enjoyed helping people whenever he could, was good with his hands, and was very creative.  He had a special bond with his mother, and visited or talked to her almost every day.  He appeared to be in good health, but like millions of others, was unaware of the symptoms and Warning Signs of diabetes.  On August 15, 2003 Dan Kerner died from kidney/renal failure; complications of his previously undiagnosed diabetes.

Determined not to let the tragedy of Dan's death be in vain, his mother, Shirley, along with other family members decided to take immediate action to try and avoid anyone else they knew from being subjected to the dangers of diabetes, forming what they call the D.A.N. Project.  D.A.N. stands for Diabetes Awareness Now. 

They organized a memorial barbeque for Dan, with the purpose of disseminating diabetes awareness information to all that attended.  They had a very large turnout, and everyone was given information on the symptoms and Warning Signs of diabetes.  The barbeque was also a fund raising event, with the proceeds going to the Defeat Diabetes Foundation, which Mrs. Kerner found during a search of diabetes websites which focused on awareness of the disease.  Her goals and the goals of the Defeat Diabetes Foundation are the same, and she wanted to help us with our programs of educating the public on early detection of diabetes.

Future plans for the D.A.N. Project are another Barbeque (which will be an annual event), Fashion Shows, Golf Tournaments, Raffles, etc.  They are relentless in their quest to deliver the diabetes awareness they know is so desperately needed.  Together, the D.A.N. Project and Defeat Diabetes Foundation make a great team.  Both are strong and dedicated to saving lives, and eliminating the lingering misery of family and friends of those lost or handicapped due to this insidious disease known as diabetes.

Obviously, the D.A.N. Projects are local events (at this time), but the problem of diabetes awareness is global, having no boundaries.  Our hope, in telling the story of Dan (and the D.A.N. Project) is that this information is needed everywhere, and maybe you, or someone you know can fill the gap in your community, town, or city.  The more diabetes awareness is spread, the less misery and heartache associated with the disease will be had.  More lives can be saved, less limbs can be lost, less pain will be suffered, less burden of costs will be paid - the list goes on and on!

If you, or someone you know, can and would be interested in doing your own diabetes awareness campaign, no matter how large or small - from handing out brochures, to a barbeque or even a Rock Concert - let us know.  We will be very happy to help you with materials, answer questions, etc.  All you need to do is click on the following link - "I Want to Help" - ask your questions, give your ideas, or whatever - and we will get back to you. 

If you can't help within the community with diabetes awareness, perhaps you could help with a financial gift to Defeat Diabetes Foundation to help us in our distribution of information on Warning Signs and Symptoms of diabetes as well as the continuing efforts of our distribution of our Defeat Diabetes^® Screening Tests and our School Program for the Screening Tests.                           To make a Donation to our cause, Click Here.