American Idol Finalist Kevin Covais Joins the Diabetes Diplomats to Raise Funds For the Diabetes Research Institute

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Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

May 24, 2010, 02:45 ET

Don't be Idle this Summer…Be the Hero!

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., May 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Carefree beach days and kick-back vacations are the embodiment of summer. Yet, a number of families affected by diabetes won't be so idle this summer. They'll join American Idol finalist Kevin Covais by becoming Diabetes Diplomats and organizing their own summer fundraising project to support the Diabetes Research Institute, a world leader in the search for a cure. As part of his efforts, Covais has created a series of public service announcements urging kids and families alike, "Don't Be Idle…Be the Hero!" [Click to view video of the first PSA of the series.]

"I love being a Diabetes Diplomat, and summer is the perfect time for anyone to do a fundraising project. I can do what I like to do while supporting research for a cure at the Diabetes Research Institute," said Covais, who was diagnosed with type 1 at age 11.

Diabetes Diplomats are a league of students, teachers, parents, grandparents and other family members and friends who are taking the search for a cure into their own hands. They come from all over the world and serve as advocates, educators and event fundraisers in their schools and neighborhoods. Some have diabetes. Some don't. But they have all decided to "Be the Hero" by helping to find a cure for this disease that affects nearly 24 million children and adults in the U.S. alone.

Rather than laze the days away, Diabetes Diplomats are making summer matter by creating their own fundraising web pages at DiabetesResearch.org/DiabetesDiplomats, organizing community-wide walkathons, running marathons, planning dress down days at the office or neighborhood car washes, among other projects. With an endless list of possibilities, Diabetes Diplomats can select an activity that they enjoy, and then get their friends, families and social networks involved as well.

"The Diabetes Diplomats program is fun and easy. Everyone can run an event right where they live. I am ecstatic that Kevin has joined in this effort. He is an incredible advocate for all those who have diabetes," stated Tom Karlya, vice president of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation and well known in the diabetes community by his pen name, Diabetes Dad.

Covais was an American Idol fifth season finalist in 2006. Dubbed "Chicken Little" by a fellow cast mate, he went on to appear in the movie College in 2008 and TV's Labor Pains in 2009, aside Lindsay Lohan. He currently blogs for UsMagazine.com, giving his thoughts on this season's Idol performance episodes.

For those interested in joining the Diabetes Diplomats and becoming a part of the fastest growing community aiming for the cure, visit DiabetesResearch.org/DiabetesDiplomats or email [email protected]. To make a donation to Kevin's personal fundraising page, go to: http://diabetesdiplomats.kintera.org/kevincovais

The mission of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now. The Diabetes Research Institute, a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research. Since its inception in the early 1970s, the DRI has made significant contributions to the field of diabetes research, pioneering many of the techniques used in islet transplantation. The DRI is now building upon these achievements by bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies to restore insulin production. For the millions of families already affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure. For more information, visit DiabetesResearch.org or call 1-800-321-3437.

SOURCE Diabetes Research Institute Foundation