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Defeat Diabetes Foundation

Defeat Diabetes
Foundation
150 153rd Ave,
Suite 300
Madeira Beach, FL 33708

Acclaimed Tenor Michael Calmes and Organist Timothy Smith to Perform in Chicago on July 19, 2003

Program at Fourth Congregational Church will benefit Defeat Diabetes Foundation

Chicago, IL – Mayer Music, a Chicago based Music Company and Concert Promoter, announced the latest in a series of concerts to benefit the Defeat Diabetes Foundation. The July 19th concert will feature the talents of internationally acclaimed Tenor, Michael Calmes and frequent concert partner and equally accomplished organist, Timothy Smith.

The Fourth Congregational Church at 2625 N. Talman Avenue in Chicago will serve as a magnificent backdrop for Mr. Smith’s mastery of the pipe organ and Mr. Calmes, rich tenor voice. The July 19th concert begins promptly at 6:00. Tickets are $25.00 and are available by contacting: (773) 486-1184 or email: rlkohls@uchicago.edu or Mayer Music (630) 653-3480 or email: halmayer@hotmail.com.

The Benefit concert applauds the efforts of the Defeat Diabetes Foundation Executive Director, Andy Mandell – Mr. Diabetes® who is walking a 10,000+ mile perimeter of the US to raise awareness about diabetes. Mr. Diabetes® has already completed 3,500 miles of his journey and will be arriving in Chicago during the summer of 2004.

Since Michael Calmes 1982 Boston Lyric Opera Company debut in Puccini’s MADAME BUTTERFLY, he has been acclaimed in operas and operettas from ARIADNE AUF NAXOS to DIE FLEDERMAUS. With a voice praised as “beautiful” – “thrilling” – and “rich,” – tenor Michael Calmès has achieved a distinguished record of performances and maintains an active schedule of concerts, recitals, oratorio, and opera with numerous choruses, orchestras, and other ensembles.

Timothy Edward Smith is in his 25th year as an organist, performing in solo and ensemble concert settings. He is recognized as an artist with an extraordinary sense for color, managing the full resources of any instrument to create variety and interest for the listener. As a recitalist, Smith has performed in some of the most beautiful and historic houses of worship in this country and abroad, including the cathedrals at Chartres, Beauvais, Notre-Dame, and the Church of St. Germain-des-Prez in France, as well as Lincoln and Wells Cathedrals in Great Britain.

Mr. Smith and Mr. Calmes are both recording artists and have made appearances on National Public Radio.

Mr. Calmes and Mr. Smith are providing their talents to help defeat diabetes. The incidence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Over 22 million people have the disease and another 2,200 are being diagnosed daily. Astonishingly, nearly one-half of all diabetics don’t know they have this potentially debilitating disease and another 17+ million people are pre-diabetics who aren’t aware that they are in danger of developing the disease.

The complications from diabetes can be severe. Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness in the United States and can also lead to amputations, strokes, kidney disease, heart attacks and death. In fact, diabetes was responsible for 200,000 deaths in the US last year 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.

Defeat Diabetes Foundation was established in 1990 and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Defeat Diabetes Foundation is dedicated to early identification and prevention of diabetes, and information and education regarding the benefits of health and fitness in the treatment of diabetes. The focus is on the much-neglected areas of fitness, nutrition and self-management of the disease in conjunction with appropriate medical monitoring. Defeat Diabetes Foundation supports public information programs through direct mail, the website, a screening tests for schools program and The Mr. Diabetes® Wake Up and Walk® Tour. For more information about Defeat Diabetes Foundation and it’s programs visit the website at: www.defeatdiabetes.org.

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