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Joslin Diabetes Center Names Boston Celtics Star Ray Allen to Board of Trustees

Posted on: Monday, 18 May 2009, 09:05 CDT

World's preeminent diabetes center looks to prominent father of child with type 1 diabetes to shine spotlight on the epidemic of the 21st century

BOSTON, May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Joslin Diabetes Center today announced that it has appointed Boston Celtics star guard Ray Allen to its Board of Trustees. Allen is the father of a child with type 1 diabetes.

In June 2008, while the Celtics were in Los Angeles during their exciting run to become NBA champions, Allen's son Walker, 2, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Since that time, Allen and his wife Shannon have enthusiastically embraced the Joslin Diabetes Center's mission and vision for a world without diabetes and its complications.

"When Walker was diagnosed with diabetes, our lives were thrown into a tailspin and Shannon and I needed all the information and support we could get as we learned how to manage our son's disease. We found that and more at the Joslin Diabetes Center," said Allen. "Being asked to join the Board of Trustees was not only a tremendous honor, but also felt like a natural fit since I believe in the great care Joslin provides and the research they are doing to someday cure diabetes."

"Since having the unique opportunity to get to know Ray, I can see that his belief in and commitment to our mission is deep and strong. I speak for the entire Joslin community when I say I am thrilled that he has joined our Board," said Ranch C. Kimball, President and CEO of Joslin Diabetes Center, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School.

From serving as co-chairs for the Joslin Diabetes Center's upcoming Bright Lights, High Hopes Gala on November 14, 2009 - World Diabetes Day, to Shannon being a co-captain of Team Joslin for the Boston Marathon, the Allen family has become a testament to the commitment needed in the fight against diabetes.

"As the father of a young child with diabetes, Ray brings a personal perspective and prominence that will help shine the spotlight on the Joslin Diabetes Center as we confront the growing challenge of diabetes," said Kevin E. Conley, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. "In just the period of time that Ray has been in the NBA, new cases of diabetes have almost doubled in the United States. Today, 24 million Americans have the disease."

During a reception at his home on May 15, Allen announced plans to raise $1 million for Joslin Diabetes Center at the November gala.

About Joslin Diabetes Center

Joslin Diabetes Center is the world's preeminent diabetes research and clinical care organization. Joslin Diabetes Center is dedicated to ensuring people with diabetes live long, healthy lives and offers real hope and progress toward diabetes prevention and a cure for the disease. Founded in 1898 by Elliott P. Joslin, M.D., Joslin Diabetes Center is an independent nonprofit institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School. For more information about Joslin, call 1-800-JOSLIN-1 or visit www.joslin.org.

SOURCE Joslin Diabetes Center

Source: PR Newswire

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