WASHINGTON, DC, August 13, 2001 - The recipients of the 2001 LifeScan Prize for Athletic Achievement were announced here today at the annual meeting of the Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association (DESA). This year's winners -- three athletes with diabetes who have distinguished themselves as role models for healthy living -- each received a $5,000 cash prize funded by LifeScan, a Johnson & Johnson company and a leading maker of blood glucose monitoring products for people with diabetes. The awards were presented by DESA, a non-profit organization whose membership includes people with diabetes as well as healthcare professionals. (Previously, DESA was known as the International Diabetic Athletes Association.)

This year's winners are:

• Vincent J. Faso (Carpentersville, IL). Vincent, 14, was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago and has not let this diagnosis slow him down. Instead, he has taken control of his diabetes and has continued to shine. As an honor roll student, two-time district wrestling champion, and most valuable player on his middle school track team, Vincent has been able to prove to himself and to others that with proper management, diabetes does not need to hamper your life. As a scholar athlete, Vincent hopes to compete in high school football and wrestling, and eventually earn a university scholarship.
  
• Kim Seeley (Kansas City, MO). Kim, 31, was diagnosed with diabetes 18 years ago. At that time, she found it a challenge to manage the disease, and she began to feel hopeless as her dreams of being a cheerleader and competing in track, basketball and gymnastics faded. Kim was miserable about her diagnosis, and she says that her favorite words became "I can't."
  
  Today, Kim has fortunately changed those favorite words to "I will." After graduating from college, she decided it was time to gain control of her diabetes and turn her life around. She began fitness training and today spends 25 hours per week training for the Ms. Fitness USA Contest. As a result of her hard work and diabetes management, Kim has qualified for the last two national competitions and hopes to eventually place among the top 15 competitors.
  
• Kevin Waldon (Pontotoc, MS). Kevin, 36, was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 17. Right from the start, he took control of his disease and began pursuing a career path that would enable him to help others living with diabetes. After earning a master's degree in exercise physiology, Kevin worked as a diabetes educator and developed the W.I.L.D. (Winning In Life with Diabetes) Bunch Program, a 12-week exercise and weight loss program for people with diabetes.
  
  Through his work in Mississippi, the state with the highest per capita incidence of diabetes, Kevin realized the need to provide diabetes education in parts of the state that didn't have access to it. Speaking at schools, community programs, health fairs, and support group meetings, he has helped to spread the word about the importance of exercise in diabetes management.
  
  Kevin's commitment to diabetes education led him to help form Concerned About Diabetes in Mississippi (CADIM), a non-profit group that has organized and implemented statewide diabetes educational programs. Through his work with CADIM, Kevin has been instrumental in both organizing and participating in the FastTake Through Mississippi Bike Tour, promoting diabetes awareness across the state. This event involves cycling approximately 500 miles across the state in five days, while stopping periodically to present diabetes education programs to the public.

  Kevin currently schedules and teaches diabetes education programs across Northern Mississippi for Southern Discount Drug & Diabetes Shoppe.

"It is inspiring to see how well this year's three LifeScan/DESA award winners have taken control of their lives and their diabetes," said Charles Renfroe, Senior Manager, Professional Affairs, LifeScan, Inc. "LifeScan is proud to join with DESA in honoring the accomplishments of Vincent, Kim, and Kevin. Each of them, in their own unique way, serves as a role model to others with diabetes, and encourages all of us to live our lives to the fullest."

Applications for the LifeScan/DESA award are accepted year-round and are available by calling DESA at 1-800-898-4322, through visiting the DESA website at www.diabetes-exercise.org, or by writing to DESA at P.O. Box 1935, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340. The nomination process begins each fall, and the winners are announced the following summer at the annual DESA conference.

Founded in 1985, DESA is a non-profit service organization whose members include individuals with diabetes who are dedicated to participating in fitness activities at all levels. Also involved are healthcare professionals and anyone interested in the relationship between diabetes and sports.

LifeScan, a leading maker of blood glucose monitoring products, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with diabetes. More diabetes specialists recommend the company's
OneTouch® Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems than any other brand. Every day, more than three million people rely on OneTouch Systems for simple testing and accurate results. For healthcare professional resources, and information on diabetes care and LifeScan products and services, visit www.LifeScan.com.

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