The next time you hear someone say, 'I can't do it,' tell them the story of American cross-country skier Kris Freeman.
Training for his first Olympics, then 19-year-old Freeman learned he had developed type 1 diabetes, a disease in which the body does not produce insulin. Three doctors told him his career was over and that he would never again race competitively.
'It was a devastating blow, but I decided diabetes was not going to control my life,' Freeman said. 'I did research and learned that with a balanced diet, the help of my physician, frequent blood sugar monitoring and insulin therapy, I could remain competitive.'
Freeman is more than just competitivehe's now the top cross-country skier in the United States. And his dedication to the sport and his health continue to pay off. Since being diagnosed in August 2000, Freeman has won five national titles, made strong finishes in both the Salt Lake City and Torino, Italy Winter Olympic Games and was recently named the cross-country Grand National Champion for 2006.
Morris Keeling, 54, of St. Cloud, Minn., shares something in common with Freeman. Though Keeling isn't an athlete, he is a champion in his own right. He helps care for his wife, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 40 years.
'I've found over the years the best way to help Patty is to live, eat and sleep the disease along with her,' Keeling said. 'It's almost as if I have diabetes too except I don't have an insulin pump.'
Dealing with diabetes isn't the only thing that connects Keeling and Freeman. So does their dedication to LillyforLife, an annual awards program sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company that recognizes the accomplishments of people affected by diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 21 million Americans have this disease for which there currently is no cure.
Freeman has been the program's ambassador since 2001. Keeling is the 2005 LillyforLife Achievement Award winner for caregivers. The judges selected him for the award after reading an essay his wife wrote about his devotion to her.
'I feel good to have won the title and it's very humbling,' Keeling said. 'I don't do what I do to get recognized, but because I love my wife very much and want what's best for her.' Keeling donated the prize he received to the American Diabetes Association. 'I hope it makes a difference in the search for a cure,' he says.
'There are plenty more people like Kris and Morris out there, and we would love to recognize and honor them,' said Ron Hoven, insulins brand leader for Eli Lilly and Company. 'If you have diabetes or are involved with the diabetes community, I encourage you to apply for a 2006 LillyforLife Achievement Award.'
There are four categories for the 2006 Achievement Awards: Young Champion, for people age 17 and younger; Adult Achiever, for people age 18 and older; Professional Hero, for doctors, nurses, educators and other professionals; and Friendly Face, for spouses, partners, friends or caregivers of people with diabetes.
If you or someone you know should be considered for this award, submit an application and a 500-word essay describing the nominee's accomplishments, activities within or dedication to the diabetes community. Supporting articles, videotapes and photographs are accepted, but will not be returned.
One winner in each category will receive an etched glass trophy and tickets for two to fly to Lilly's headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind., for a tour and VIP celebration. Additionally, the Young Champion, Adult Achiever and Friendly Face winners will receive a $1,500 prize.
SIDEBAR
Win Your LillyforLife Award:
To apply for this award, log on to www.LillyforLife.com, click on the link that says 'Achievement Award,' and follow the directions for downloading an application.
You'll need to fill out the application form and write a 500-word essay outlining the accomplishments that deserve recognition. You can nominate yourself or someone you know.
One winner in each category will receive an etched glass trophy and tickets for two to fly to Lilly's headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind., for a tour and VIP celebration. Additionally, the Young Champion, Adult Achiever and Friendly Face winners will receive a $1,500 prize. |
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