Unwilling to Sit on the Sidelines: Tens of Thousands of American Diabetes Association Volunteers Honored for Their Fight Against Diabetes During National Volunteer Appreci...( ALEXANDRIA Va. April 22 -- Unwil...),Health

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Unwilling to sit on the sidelines, thousands of people around the country are standing up to the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century. In recognition of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 27-May 3, 2008), the American Diabetes Association (ADA) wants to recognize the countless hours its volunteers commit to the fight against diabetes.

One in four Americans has diabetes or is at serious risk of developing type 2 diabetes. ADA volunteers help to stem the tide of this disease by raising money for research, fighting discrimination, and educating their communities about diabetes and its complications.

"ADA is fortunate to have tens of thousands of world-class volunteers," said Larry Hausner, CEO, American Diabetes Association. "These volunteers are the heart and soul of the Association. Without them, we would not be able to carry out our mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes."

Below are a few of the countless ADA volunteers who are involved in the fight against diabetes. A salute to ADA volunteers, including personal stories from around the country, can be found at http://www.diabetes.org/all-about-diabetes/people-spotlight-archives.jsp.

John Buse, MD, PhD, ADA President, Medicine & Science, Chapel Hill, NC

-- Dr. Buse's involvement with ADA goes back to his childhood when he traveled to the Association's Annual Scientific Sessions with his parents, who are diabetes specialists, engaged in research, clinical care, and teaching.

-- He serves as an ADA spokesperson and advocate on scientific and medical matters.

-- "If we each do what we can, whether it is fundraising for diabetes research or contacting our elected officials to support diabetes programs, we will move closer to fi
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