ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to bring harmony within the diabetes community, Hickory Records Recording artist Elliott Yamin has recently signed on to be a three year National Spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association (ADA). In an effort to fulfill the ADA's mission which is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes, Yamin will encourage individuals and families to participate in the Association's newest "I Decide to Fight Diabetes" campaign, Step Out to Fight Diabetes
fundraising walk, and promote his personal health and wellness messages to youth currently connected to the ADA's youth web pages and new "Planet D" interactive website on diabetes.org. Yamin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 16 years old, and his mother and aunt also are affected by the disease as they both have type 2 diabetes.
"I'm proud to be a part of the American Diabetes Association family," Yamin said. "Living with diabetes has been a journey of challenges and triumphs that have made clear to me the importance of raising awareness about diabetes prevention, management, and the need for a cure in as many places as I can. Since diabetes affects so many members of my entire family, I wanted to be sure to direct the spot light I have been given on the continued need for funding for both research and programs for all types of diabetes. I am humbled to be entrusted with the message and the mission of the American Diabetes Association and honored to be part of the forward direction ADA leads the world for people living with diabetes. My first focus will center on the important aspect of physical activity to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Participating in the Step Out to Fight Diabetes Event is a great way to help people accomplish their goals for healthy living and to join together with many others in their city to lead a march in the fight against diabetes."
In 2006, Elliott Yamin was the third place finalist on American Idol season five. His newly released self titled CD made Soundscan history when it debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 and made it the highest new artist debut on an independent label. The CD was also #1 on the Billboard Independent Charts and #2 on the Billboard R&B Charts, selling 96,000 copies in its first week. Yamin is set to embark on his first solo tour May 17th and will perform throughout the U.S.
"I am a huge fan of American Idol and have followed his success since day one. It is truly a pleasure to have an opportunity to work with Elliott on so many of our different ADA campaigns," said Darlene Cain, Chair of the Board, American Diabetes Association. "Elliott has generously offered his voice and talent to help the ADA achieve its mission. We are grateful for his time and commitment to ADA and to the nearly 21 million children and adults who have diabetes."
Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in the United States. If present trends continue, one in three Americans, and one in two minorities, born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. In order to keep pace with the growing number of Americans with diabetes, the ADA invites communities nationwide to Step Out to Fight Diabetes in their brand new fund- raising walk. Formerly known as America's Walk for Diabetes, Step Out to Fight Diabetes is a one-day walk in more than 200 cities this fall. At a Step Out to Fight Diabetes event, routes range from two to six miles and are accessible to people of all ages and levels of mobility. Along the walk, participants are supported by volunteers offering water, snacks, entertainment and encouragement. The event draws a large contingency of individuals and teams, comprised of families, friends and corporations, all walking and raising money in support of ADA. Interested participants can visit http://www.diabetes.org/stepout or by calling 1-888-DIABETES (1-888-342-2383).
The ADA's signature I Decide to Fight Diabetes campaign promotes a new "I Decide" charm that can be worn on a keychain, necklace or bracelet. The ADA announced that the "I Decide" charm can be purchased by visiting http://www.diabetes.org/IDecide or by calling 1.877.ADA.ID26. In addition, the I Decide to Fight Diabetes campaign encourages people to become champions in the cause against diabetes and demonstrate their commitment to actively promoting healthier lifestyle behaviors that will help them manage and control type 1 diabetes, and prevent and control type 2 diabetes in themselves and their loved ones. I Decide to Fight Diabetes empowers them to stand together in the fight against diabetes, become a champion in the fight and display to the world their commitment to win the fight.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information, and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities. For more information, please visit http://www.diabetes.org/ or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Information is available in English and Spanish.
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