By Russ George
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley (DCFV) had a record year increasing membership and fundraising, to allow our club to make three major donations to fight diabetes, in addition to providing one or more diabetes awareness events, each month.
DCFV held two major fundraisers in 2024. Our annual “Tee Off to Defeat Diabetes” Golf Outing, at Bliss Creek Golf Course, in Sugar Grove raised more than $7,000 and our first annual gala dinner “A Night To End Diabetes”, at Lincoln Inn, in Batavia raised more than $9,000. DCFV is currently holding a “Mini Fundraiser”, at different restaurants in the Fox Valley area throughout the year.
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley made a donation in August to HorsePower Therapeutic Riding, north of St. Charles in the amount of $5,280. This donation will provide sugar-free treats for their diabetic horses, purchase materials to build a viewing platform, allowing the parents to watch students during their riding lessons. DCFV also purchased small storage containers, to be placed along Sensory Trail, to store first aid and other materials needed for safety and instruction.
DCFV members believe this donation will help children and adults with disabilities, including diabetes, now and in the future, while helping to keep the horses healthy with sugar-free treats!
In October, the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley made its second major donation of $2,400 to Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. DCFV’s donation will allow FVSRA staff to increase educational awareness, help design programs around the needs of individuals with diabetes and prediabetes, and help all FVSRA participants to better understand their health needs, to improve their overall well-being.
DCFV’s third major donation of $3,000 for diabetes research, was presented at our club’s first annual gala dinner, “A Night To End Diabetes”. Sharon Velkovich, from UChicago Medicine-Kovler Diabetes Center was in attendance to accept our donation.
The Kovler Diabetes Center has been leading the way in research, to find a cure for diabetes.
Members of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley work together, to raise an awareness of diabetes and prediabetes in the Fox Valley area. Club members also raise funds to provide aid, education and research to find a cure for diabetes.
Nationally, more than 38 million Americans, approximately 12% of our population, have diabetes, including children. Even more concerning, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates that 97 million individuals in the United States are prediabetic.
Warning signs that you may be diabetic are: Urinating often, feeling very thirsty, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, cuts/bruises that are slow to heal, tingling pain or numbness in your hands or feet, feeling very hungry even though you are eating more, or weight loss even through you are eating more.
Uncontrolled blood sugar (glucose) can cause vision problems, heart problems, nerve damage, dental problems, kidney damage, and loss of limbs. Diet and exercise are two of the most powerful tools we have to help control our blood glucose. Eat healthy, stay active, and have a yearly blood test, to stay diabetes-free!
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley currently meets monthly, on the second Wednesday of each month, January through November, at Oak Street Restaurant, 945 Oak Street, in North Aurora. Social/Optional Dinner at 5:30 p.m. and meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. with guests always welcome!
Why not start the new year off by joining our fight against diabetes? You don’t need to be diabetic, to be a member of our club! Attend one of our meetings or events! Guests are always welcome at membership meetings and club events! Yearly individual tax deductible membership dues are $50 per year. Corporate dues are $150 per year, which includes a sponsorship listing on our website: www.diabeteshelpnearme.com.
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Tax deductible donations can be made on our website: diabeteshelpnearme.com or mail your tax deductible donation to: Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, P.O. Box 88, North Aurora, Illinois 60542.
Have questions about the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, please call, text or send an E-mail with your name and address to president Russ George, 630-205-9065 or send Email: Diabetesclubfv@gmail.com.
Please continue to keep informed about our club’s upcoming events, by following us in The Voice, on Facebook, and on our website: diabeteshelpnearme.com.