FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAMERON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION Wednesday, September 8, 2004
AGGIE VOLLEYBALL TO HELP FIGHT JUVENILE DIABETES
"Every day, I have to endure up to six injections of insulin and more than ten finger pricks to keep me alive. When my blood sugar is high, my head hurts, I feel angry and sad, and it is hard to concentrate. When my blood sugar is low, I am dizzy, shaky, and in danger of becoming unconscious." - Emma Melton, 16, Massachusetts
Each year over 13,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes in the United States. It strikes children suddenly, makes them dependent on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. That's why the Cameron University women's volleyball team is partnering with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help fight this chronic, debilitating disease.
On Friday, Sept. 10, the Aggies will host nationally ranked West Texas A&M University in a match scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., at Cameron's Aggie Gym. All gate receipts from the match will be donated to the JDRF and its efforts to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students.
"We are honored to have this opportunity to help raise awareness for a worthwhile cause," Cameron head volleyball coach Kim Vinson said. "More than 1.3 million Americans have type 1 (juvenile) diabetes and it's important that we do what we can to assist the JDRF in its efforts to support diabetes research."
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. JDRF funding and leadership is associated with most major scientific breakthroughs in type 1 research to date. JDRF provided over $80 million to diabetes research in FY 2003, and is responsible for more than $680 million in direct funding since it was founded in 1970.
Friday's contest is one of five matches scheduled in the annual Cameron Coca-Cola Classic. The Aggies also will host Missouri Southern State University on Saturday at noon. Three other matches featuring West Texas A&M, Missouri Southern and the University of Central Oklahoma will be played, beginning Friday afternoon. At each of the matches, those in attendance will have the opportunity to make additional contributions to the JDRF through $1 donor cards, which will be displayed in the gymnasium lobby. Free diabetes information packets will be available, as well.
For more information on diabetes education and research, visit the JDRF website at www.jdrf.org or call 800-533-CURE.