12 November 2008

Suozzi to Recognize World Diabetes Day with

“Bring Diabetes to Light”

Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi will be joined by Greg Polli of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Long Island and Virginia Peragsallo-Dittko of the Diabetes Education Center of Winthrop-University Hospital to host a ceremony and dome lighting on Friday, November 14 in recognition of World Diabetes Day.  

The program, “Bring Diabetes to Light,” will be held at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building and will include remarks by County Executive Suozzi, Mr. Polli and Ms. Peragsaloo-Dittko.  When there is sufficient darkness, all in attendance will gather outside for the official “Blue Illumination” of the Building’s dome.

World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign of the diabetes world.  It is celebrated on November 14 to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922.  World Diabetes Day is celebrated worldwide by over 200 member associations in 160 countries.  Nassau County’s ceremony is the first local recognition of World Diabetes Day.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood.  Type 1 diabetes is growing by 3% per year in children and adolescents, with 70,000 children under 15 developing the disease each year.  Currently, an estimated 440,000 children live with type 1 diabetes globally.  Type 2 diabetes was once seen as a disease of adults, but today, it is growing at alarming rates in children and adolescents.

“World Diabetes Day helps to bring an increased awareness of the disease and its young patients to parents and caregivers, teachers, healthcare professionals and the general public.  With almost 200 children a day developing diabetes, it is a message that we should all carry,” notes County Executive Suozzi.

Guests are invited to arrive at 5:00 p.m. for light refreshments, followed by a brief program in the Ceremonial Chambers.  The illumination will take place at approximately 6:30 p.m.  All are invited to attend.

WHAT:

“Bring Diabetes to Light”

Ceremony and Dome Lighting

WHEN:

Friday, November 14, 2008

WHERE:

Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building

1550 Franklin Avenue

Mineola, NY

For further information, please call: 516-571-3116

World Diabetes Day - Link