A Message From Our Executive Director
Andrew P. Mandell, MR. DIABETES®
September 2009
A Tribute to Carol Shehady (1948-2009)It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Carol Shehady.
During the past 19 years, since Defeat Diabetes Foundation first opened its doors (September, 1990), Carol has been a constant presence in our organization and our lives. She gave true meaning to the qualities of a “dedicated volunteer”.
Whenever something needed doing, Carol was always there, whether it was a backroom task of stuffing envelopes, advising on issues of concern, meeting the public at various events and sharing lifesaving diabetes information, or dressing to the nines and hosting an elegant affair (nobody ever did it better).
Carol never complained about long hours or the nature of whatever job she was assigned. In fact, by her very presence, she brightened the people around her to make even the most mundane chore a pleasant and fun experience.
Carol is no longer with us, physically, but she has left a footprint in the young history of Defeat Diabetes Foundation that will last for the life of this organization. Her contribution(s) have, and always will, reflect in the fabric of all we have done and will ever do. And to all who have benefited with improved lives, either their own or a loved one’s, and to all who will benefit in the future, give a special thanks to Carol Shehady because she was, and is, an integral part of the Defeat Diabetes Foundation team that has helped make this happen.
And from all of us at DDF who worked and lived and shared so much with Carol, we love you and miss you, and we always will. Our hearts go out to the family she left behind.
And on a more personal note, Carol & Jerry (Mandell), our co-founder & COO, were life partners for 22 years. In all that time they enjoyed a most remarkable and loving relationship not often seen – a team within our DDF team.
As is our custom, while we mourn her passing we celebrate her life; a wonderful life of caring, sharing and loving.
