By Russ George
During the last six months, our Diabetes Club of Fox Valley has been receiving an increased amount of E-mail and letters. Individuals are asking “who are you, what does your organization do”, so here’s some information about who we are, and what we do!
Members of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley meet monthly and have guest speakers from various health and community organizations. Our meetings are currently being held on the second Wednesday of the month, at Oak Street Restaurant, 945 Oak Street, in North Aurora. Optional dinner is at 5:30 p.m., meetings begin at 6:30 p.m., and guests are always welcome!
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 in the Fox Valley area for our Club’s fight against diabetes.
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley was established with a mission to support efforts to prevent and find a cure for diabetes. Our purpose is to raise funds to aid those who work in research and/or education regarding diabetes, and to assist those with diabetes in any way we can. Our Vision is to have a world free of diabetes. Individual dues are $50.00 per year, corporate dues are $150 per year, which includes a sponsorship listing on the Club’s website: www.diabeteshelpnearme.com
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley was formed October 1, 2022, by 15 individuals, who wanted to bring about an awareness of diabetes, provide aid and education for diabetics, while investing in research to find a cure. Today, we are more than 50 members strong, and growing to reach our goal of 200 or more members, spreading the word about the dangers of uncontrolled blood sugar (glucose). Uncontrolled blood glucose can cause vision problems, heart problems, nerve damage, dental problems, kidney damage, and other related health concerns! Diet and exercise are two of the most powerful tools we all have to help control our blood glucose. Why not eat healthy, stay active, and have a yearly blood test, to stay diabetes-free?
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley’s “Jerry Youngren Diabetic and Therapy Animal Support Fund” helps individuals and/or families, in obtaining and/or supporting diabetic alert dogs or therapy animals. Jerry Youngren was diagnosed with Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 11, and lived with diabetes for almost 70 years. Jerry managed his diabetes with true dedication to diet and exercise, a daily approach never compromised. He was presented with the Eli Lilly Award for his length of years living with Type 1 diabetes. Thanks to Barb Youngren and family, for establishing the “Jerry Youngren Diabetic and Therapy Animal Support Fund”, through the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley.
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley holds two major fundraisers each year to aid in our fight against diabetes. In June, we hold our Annual “Tee Off to Defeat Diabetes” Golf Outing, and in November, our “Diabetes Awareness Gala Dinner”.
Spring will begin Tuesday, March 19. Why not sign up to participate in our Club’s second annual “Tee Off to Defeat Diabetes” golf outing, Friday, June 21, at Bliss Creek Golf Course, in Sugar Grove, with a shotgun start at 1 p.m..
Join with the seven foursomes already committed to participating in this year’s outing. Sign-up on our website: www.diabeteshelpnearme.com and request a golf flyer and registration/sponsorship form by Email at: Diabetesclubfv@gmail.com
Adam Broholm, chairperson, and Matt McCain, co-chairperson, said “We promise you a bigger and more rewarding event than last year! Only $130 per golfer, includes a hot dog lunch, golf, cart, goody bag and steak dinner!” Questions: Contact Matt McCain at: 630-740-4348.
Members of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley march in Aurora’s Fourth of July Parade, attend a Kane County Cougars baseball game in July, and end each year hold an outstanding holiday party in early December.
Our Club’s March “Meet and Greet”, organized by media chairperson, Ann McBride, to expose our Club and our mission, will be held Saturday, March 16, at Panera Bread, 1330 N. Orchard Road, in Aurora, from 9 a.m. to noon. Stop at our table, meet some of our members while picking up information on diabetes and pre-diabetes.
Interested in joining with us in our fight against diabetes, or have questions about the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, please call, text or send an E-mail to Club 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.