By Russ George
Saturday morning November 8, the first ever “Healthy Futures Expo”, kicked off at Society 57, in downtown Aurora.
Rick Sanchez, owner of Legacy Nutrition & Fitness, dreamed about having a health event to bring residents of Aurora and surrounding communities together, to empower our communities through wellness!
Russ George, president of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, has been stating, “Our country has a diabetes epidemic, that can only be solved by bringing groups of people together, highlighting the dangers of uncontrolled blood sugar (glucose), which can cause vision, heart and dental problems, in addition to nerve and kidney damage”.
The perfect match happened when Rick Sanchez, joined the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, bringing health and wellness together, to learn, and take action for a healthier, stronger future, in Aurora and throughout the Fox Valley area.
Coach Rick Sanchez and Russ George have both agreed that another “Healthy Futures Expo”, will happen in 2026.
A huge shoutout of thanks to all who attended our first ever event, to explore wellness tools, health programs and support services designed to empower you and your family.
A special thank you to Jessica King, Fataina Stobaugh, and Jose Torres, pastor, Fresh Start City Church, for helping to make our first ever event a huge success!
To all the participating organizations and/or event sponsors, who made this possible — THANK YOU — Ellie’s Mental Health, European Service At Home, VNA Healthcare, Aunt Martha’s Community Health, Pure Health Aurora, UChicago Medicine-Kovler Diabetes Center, Quad County Urban League, Aurora Public Library, It’s Fit Time, Devoted Health Plans, Legacy Nutrition & Fitness, Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, Drink Agape, Fresh Start City Church, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Humana Insurance, Aurora African American Health Coalition, Aurora 4th Ward alderman Jonathan Nunez, and Felipe Rocha Insurance.
Guests who attended enjoyed the live fitness demos, educational presentations, family-focused wellness activities, door prizes, basket raffles, and food demonstrations with complimentary Fresh Salad & Yogurt Parfait Bar, by Annette Licitra, owner of Passionate Palate.
Together, we can begin to build healthier futures!
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. A true grassroots organization, where all money raised through dues, donations and fundraising is used for the club’s fight against diabetes.
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.
Members of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley meet monthly, on the second Wednesday of each month, January through November, at Oak Street Restaurant, 945 Oak Street, in North Aurora. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.. Guests are always welcome!
Why not join our fight against diabetes? You don’t need to be diabetic to be a member of our club! Yearly individual membership dues are $50. Students $25. Corporate dues are $150 per year, which includes a sponsorship listing on our website: www.diabeteshelpnearme.com.
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.