The Long Island Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation recently held a kick-off luncheon at the Melville Marriott for volunteers participating in this year's annual walk to cure diabetes. The walk, whose theme is "Go Wild for the Cure," will take place on Sunday, Oct. 1, in Nassau County at SUNY Old Westbury and in Suffolk County at Belmont Lake State Park in Babylon. Having raised $1.2 million for diabetes research at last year's walk, the LI Chapter continues to set high goals as it will strive to raise $1.5 million at this year's event.

For the first time in its history, the LI JDRF has presenting sponsors for its annual walk --- Better Living Now and Abbot Diabetes Care. In support of the LI JDRF and its efforts to find a cure for diabetes, Better Living Now and Abbot Diabetes Care have pledged $25,000. Better Living Now (www.betterlivingnow.com) is a national e-tailer specializing in health care supplies and therapeutic compliance programs for diabetes sufferers and other chronic care patients. Abbott Diabetes Care is devoted to developing innovative products to better serve the needs of people living with diabetes through advanced technology and research.

"The support of our generous sponsors and donors is what helps us get closer to achieving our goal," states Barbara Rogus, executive director of the JDRF LI Chapter. "Corporate support from companies such as Better Living Now and Abbot Diabetes Care is critical to our success. We are one of the nation's leading chapters for raising money and awareness for Juvenile Diabetes and our sponsors keep us thriving in the fight to find a cure for this disease. We thank all companies across the region that are participating in this walk and that donated to the LI JDRF. Of course, no pledge is too small and so we are greatly appreciative of the individuals who give their time and money as well. We also encourage everyone here on Long Island to join our cause by going wild for the cure on Oct. 1. Working together, we can find a cure for diabetes."

JDRF, the leading charitable fundraiser and advocate of juvenile (type 1) diabetes research worldwide, was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes --- a disease which strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin-dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since its inception, JDRF has provided more than $1 billion in direct funding to diabetes research. In a typical year, 85 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information, visit the JDRF website at www.jdrf.org or call 631-414-1126.