MILPITAS, Calif., February 15, 2000 - Ten children with diabetes can now enjoy a summer camp experience tailored specifically for them, thanks to a new diabetes camp scholarship program sponsored by LifeScan, Inc., the leading maker of blood glucose monitoring products for people with diabetes, and ChildrenWithDiabetes.com. The ten randomly-selected winners will each receive a $500 scholarship to the diabetes camp of their choice, as well as a free FastTake® Blood Glucose Meter from LifeScan with 100 test strips, and a disposable camera. According to the American Diabetes Association, attending a diabetes camp is important for children with diabetes because it promotes greater self-confidence in managing their diabetes, as well as personal independence.

To be eligible for a diabetes camp scholarship, children must have diabetes, be a U.S. resident, and be under 18 years of age on September 30, 2000. Parents can apply for a scholarship in one of the following ways:

• Submit an electronic entry form, which can be found on LifeScan's Web site, LifeScan.com;
  

• Print out the application found on LifeScan's Web site and mail it to: Camp Scholarships, c/o LifeScan, 1000 Gibraltar Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035; or
  

• Send a letter or a postcard to LifeScan at the address above, stating that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and listing the child's name, and the parent or guardian's name, address, and day and evening telephone numbers.
  

All entries must be post-marked or received electronically by April 15, 2000. Only winners will be notified.

Diabetes camps are staffed by youth counselors -- many of whom have diabetes themselves -- and health care professionals who specialize in treating kids with diabetes. These staff members educate campers about diabetes, teach them effective self-management techniques, and help them with blood glucose testing and insulin dosing to compensate for changes in eating habits and exercise. Equally important, the children who attend these camps are surrounded by other kids with diabetes, providing for a comfortable atmosphere where campers can talk freely with others who face similar issues and challenges.

On the World Wide Web, children and parents can log on to ChildrenWithDiabetes.com to learn more about the diabetes camp experience and to review the different types of diabetes camps available and their locations throughout the United States.

"Participation in a diabetes camp is generally regarded as a milestone in the life of a young person with this disease," stated Charles Renfroe, senior manager of professional affairs, LifeScan. "These camps provide the same fun and empowering experience of a conventional summer camp, but in a way that helps them better manage their diabetes and actually enhances their camp experience."
"Every child should have the opportunity to go to summer camp," added Jeff Hitchcock, founder and president, ChildrenWithDiabetes.com. "We are so pleased to be working with LifeScan to turn this dream into a reality for ten children with diabetes."

LifeScan, a Johnson & Johnson company, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with diabetes. Visit LifeScan on the World Wide Web at LifeScan.com.

ChildrenWithDiabetes.com is the online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes and is one of the largest diabetes Web sites in the world.

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