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Festive Fundraiser Supports Diabetes Programs, Honors Medical Community
HACKENSACK, N.J., May 23, 2018 – The “Visions of Hope” gala hosted by the Diabetes Foundation Inc. (DFI) on May 8 at The Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey was a resounding success with over 300 attendees raising an event record $206,000 to support ongoing programs and provide direct assistance to individuals living with diabetes.
“This event is so vital because it not only raises funds to help people in need of diabetic medication and supplies; it also supports the foundation’s plans for growth which is focused on two areas—the launch of the Diabetes Resource Coach program and growing our programming for children living with type 1 diabetes,” said Ginine Cilenti, executive director of Diabetes Foundation. “To accomplish our goals, we are expanding our partnerships with local businesses and healthcare networks, including our recent alliance with the Inserra Family Foundation. These efforts are helping transform lives for the better.” Cilenti also paid tribute to her grandmother who inspired her to start the Diabetes Foundation. Cilenti’s grandmother passed away at age 53 because she didn’t have the financial resources to manage her type 1 diabetes.
During the charity reception, Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company with a U.S. headquarters in Plainsboro, was honored for their substantial charitable contributions. The company showed its support of the foundation’s event by donating $25,000. Also honored as Physicians of the Year were Joseph Giangola, M.D., medical director of the Diabetes Team at Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center; and Steven N. Ghanny, M.D., pediatric endocrinologist at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center. These prominent local physicians collaborate closely with the Foundation to provide resources for diabetes patients.
“We are proud to be a long-time supporter of the Diabetes Foundation which provides assistance to thousands of adults and children in our community,” said Ed Cinca, vice president of brand marketing for GLP-1 products at Novo Nordisk who accepted the award for the company. “At Novo Nordisk, we work to discover and develop better biological medicines so that in the future, fewer people will have to live with diabetes. It is an honor to work with The Diabetes Foundation to provide people affected by the disease with supportive programs to help them manage their care. Together we’re making our community stronger.”
Local Physicians Make a Difference
Hackensack University Medical Center Medical Director Giangola was honored as Physician of the Year for providing ongoing support to the Diabetes Foundation. “I have a love hate relationship with diabetes,” he said while accepting the award. “I love my patients but I hate the disease, and that’s what makes it easy to care for a difficult disease.”
Also recognized as Physician of the Year was Pediatric Endocrinologist Steven Ghanny of the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital who said, “One of the initial reasons why I pursued a career in endocrinology was to help patients with diabetes. I have been committed to accomplishing this by working on new ways to help manage these patients in order to make their lives easier. Diabetes is a difficult diagnosis not only for the patient, but for the family that cares for the patient.”
Upcoming Events for a Good Cause
The Diabetes Foundation has several upcoming fundraising events planned, including the Porsche 911 raffle currently underway. Only 3,000 tickets are being sold and the drawing will be held on June 16, 2018. To purchase a ticket, visit the organization’s website at www.diabetesfoundationinc.org. In the fall, the Diabetes Foundations hosts a Golf Classic to be held at the Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey. Groups and individuals interested in attending the September 24 golf event can register by calling (201) 444-0337.
For additional information about services and programs offered by the Diabetes Foundation, visit the organization’s website, email gcilenti@diabetesfoundationinc.org, or call (201) 444-0337.
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About Diabetes Foundation Inc.
Diabetes Foundation Inc. is dedicated to supporting New Jersey residents living with diabetes by offering programs that provide medication assistance, one-on-one support and local resources. Since 1990, adults and children living with diabetes have utilized the Diabetes Foundation’s services to access costly medications, education programs and local resources to manage diabetes and adopt a healthy lifestyle. The Diabetes Foundation serves insured and uninsured women, men and children of all ages, with all types of diabetes, who live in New Jersey.
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Media Contacts:
Karen Ravensbergen / Irene Zampetoulas
Caryl Communications
201-796-7788
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