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Diabetes Coalition gets $23K from PIC
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Posted on Mar 16 2006
The Commonwealth Diabetes Coalition under the helm of Ayuda Network Inc. received a $23,000 donation from the Pacific Islands Club yesterday.
Coalition officials Robert Torres and Konrad S. Reyes, and Reps. Benjamin Seman and Joe Guerrero received the check from PIC general manager Kieran Daly and human resource manager Angela Y. Santos.
Reyes said the amount of the donation was a first for the coalition and they expressed gratitude to the hotel resort.
“Thanks to the financial donation of $23,000 by Pacific Islands Club, the fight against the diabetes epidemic got a booster shot, and is anticipated to improve these services and the number of people served,” coalition officials said.
With the growing number of diabetic people in the CNMI, especially within the indigenous population, Daly said this prompted the hotel to do its share by funding the education of people about diabetes.
Daly said it was his idea to grant the donation to the coalition since the disease is also very close to his heart. Daly’s grandfather died from diabetes.
“It is important for the community to live a healthier lifestyle,” he said, adding that the donation speaks volumes about the quality, dedication and commitment of PIC’s staff and organization to the community.
In the previous year, PIC donated $20,000 to the Commonwealth Cancer Association to be used for cancer awareness. The hotel had also provided cash donations to the sports community and other cause-oriented groups in the past.
Diabetes touches 25 percent of all adult indigenous population and is responsible for many disabilities and deaths, besides the high personal and societal costs, said Reyes.
“Using the donation, we will get more needed supplies for the expanded services of the foot clinic and reduce the growing diabetes-related amputation,” said Reyes.
The Commonwealth Diabetes Coalition is a branch of Ayuda Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting prevention and lifestyle changes so that effects of diabetes on those diagnosed and at risk can be controlled and minimized. The Coalition collaborates with the Department of Public Health Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.
