/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory: Honourable Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, to speak at first Women of Hope charity luncheon/
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - Honourable Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, will be the featured keynote speaker at Diabetes Hope Foundation's first Women of Hope charity luncheon. The event will honour women who have dedicated their time and effort to helping children and youth living with diabetes.
Event details:
Date: Feb. 23, 2014, 12 pm to 3 pm
Location: Bayview Golf & Country Club in Thornhill, Ont.
Cost: $100, including fashion show, silent auction and special guests supporting Diabetes Hope Foundation's community programs
"Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you have no option but to live with it, manage it and control it—24 hours a day, 365 days a year—for the rest of your life," said Barbara Pasternak, chair of Diabetes Hope Foundation. "On Feb. 23, we will honour women who have supported our children and youth with diabetes. These include mothers of children with diabetes, diabetes educators and nurses who have volunteered at our camps, and our volunteer alumni mentors who have led by example to support other youth in transition."
Over 70,000 children worldwide develop type 1 diabetes each year, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Type 2 diabetes, previously unheard of children, is rising at alarming rates, especially among ethnic minorities. More than nine million Canadians live with diabetes or pre-diabetes. One in three Canadians will be living with diabetes or pre-diabetes by 2020.
"Our programs provide children and youth who live with diabetes each and every day with the survival tools they need to achieve success in all aspects of their lives and to maintain good health in the years to come," said Pasternak. "With our help, these children can grow to adulthood with greater awareness of the importance of proper management of their diabetes, greater confidence and self-esteem and the ability to live as healthy and productive adults."
Proceeds from the charity luncheon will go towards the Women of Hope scholarship fund to support the Foundation's scholarship and mentorship program activities. The first scholarship will be awarded at the Foundation's annual scholarship ceremony in May at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto.
About Diabetes Hope Foundation
Diabetes Hope Foundation (DHF) was created in 1999 by the current chair, Barbara Pasternak, who has three children, two of whom live with type 1 insulin dependent diabetes. As her boys grew and made their way through the medical system, Barbara became acutely aware of gaps in the health care system for youth with diabetes.
Diabetes Hope Foundation was created to fill that gap and help families struggling with the financial and emotional challenges of children living with diabetes. Our programs reward, empower and provide peer education and support for youth in transition to enable them to live successfully WITHIN and BEYOND diabetes. Please visit www.diabeteshopefoundation.com.
SOURCE: Diabetes Hope Foundation
For further information:
or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Barbara Pasternak
Founder & Chair
905-670-0557 x 231
[email protected]
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