Direct all Press Inquiries to:
Dawn Swidorski
Public Outreach Director
Defeat Diabetes Foundation
dswidorski@DefeatDiabetes.org
415.671.2991 (24 Hour Number)
Dear Media Professional:
Thanks for visiting the site to learn more about diabetes, Andy Mandell – Mr. Diabetes® and the Wake Up and Walk® Tour, an epic 10,000+ mile journey of the perimeter of the US to raise awareness about diabetes.
Andy Mandell – Mr. Diabetes® is available for print and radio interviews via phone or live interviews at his current location. We also have great B-Roll footage of his walk. Contact the press liaison listed above to make the appropriate arrangements.
You may not know that the incidence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Over 22 million people have the disease and 2,200 people are being diagnosed daily. Astonishingly, nearly one-half of all diabetics don’t know they have this potentially debilitating disease and another 54+ million people are “pre-diabetics” who aren’t aware that they are in danger of developing the disease. Those figures continue to increase each year.
The complications from diabetes can be severe. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness in the United States and can also lead to amputations, heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Diabetes causes 200,000 deaths annually in the United States alone.
Recent reports from the Center for Disease Control indicate that the annual cost of diabetes, climbed from $98 billion in 1997 to $132 billion in 2002. Further, the direct medical costs of diabetes more than doubled from $44 billion in 1997 to $91.8 billion in 2002. Indirect costs included lost workdays, restricted activity days; death and permanent disabilities and totaled $39.8 billion.
The nation spends $13,243 annually on each diabetic patient, compared to $2560 per person for people who do not have diabetes.
62 year old Andy Mandell, Mr. Diabetes®, diagnosed with diabetes in 1985 and now insulin dependent, and Executive Director of the Defeat Diabetes Foundation, knows from personal experience that diabetes is a multi-faceted and discouraging disease. He decided to fight back after being bedridden for two years and nearly succumbing to diabetes. He developed his own recovery program incorporating proper diet, exercise and medical monitoring. Based on his personal success Andy has decided to share his recovery process with the world by dedicating his life to inform and educate the public about the disease and the steps that need to be taken to prevent, manage and control Diabetes. His motto became “Awareness + Action = Prevention®”.
In 1990 Andy and his brother Jerry (also a diabetic), formed the Defeat Diabetes Foundation, a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It included a vision for Andy to walk the perimeter of the United States, some 10,000+ miles, and inform anyone and everyone who would listen about the warning signs, dangers, and what can be done to prevent the disease, and what diabetics could do to minimize its complications.
Here is a great opportunity to inform your readers, viewers or listeners about the dangers of diabetes and the possibility for prevention, as well as being a great “human interest” story of a man with a significant disability overcoming the odds. Since Diabetes affects so many of us, either directly or indirectly, your audience will value a story about Mr. Diabetes®.
He is thoughtful, inspiring and highly informed on the subject.
“Diabetes doesn’t discriminate,” says Mandell. “Although some people are more at risk because of genetics, weight, fitness or other nutrition factors, there is also evidence to show that specific ethnic groups such as Native Americans, African-Americans, Latinos, Asians and Pacific Islanders are also at a higher risk for getting the disease than others,” he added.
“Even more troubling,” Andy continued, “is that for as many as 75% of the population diabetes and its complications are preventable. Because so many people are at risk or undiagnosed we decided to take the message to the streets by walking and talking with people by doing a perimeter walk of the United States, thus raising awareness”, said Andy.
“There was a time when this disease nearly had me licked – but I’ve fought back through proper nutrition and exercise and, of course, proper medical monitoring. Granted, walking 12-15 miles every day on this quest helps me personally,” he acknowledges. “But I want everyone to know that they can live a normal life with this disease”.
One additional note: Mr. Diabetes® is a registered trademark of Andrew P. Mandell and the Wake Up and Walk® Tour is a registered trademark of the Defeat Diabetes Foundation. Please keep that and the address for the website www.DefeatDiabetes.org in mind as you write your text.
Thank you for your Interest.
