Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Names Morgan Kendrick Corporate Chair for Its Annual Walk to Cure Diabetes

ATLANTA, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has announced that Morgan Kendrick, incoming president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa), will serve as the Corporate Chair for its annual fundraising event, Walk to Cure Diabetes. As the JDRF Georgia Chapter's largest event, the Walk is expected to bring together more than 10,000 diabetes supporters. The event is scheduled in Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, and Johns Creek at State Farm Technology Park on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010.  

"Diabetes is becoming an epidemic in our country, and chances are we all know someone impacted by this disease. This is certainly true for me, and many of our 3,000 employees and 3 million members in Georgia, and that's why we have chosen to partner with JDRF and the Walk to Cure Diabetes. We want to make a real difference in the lives of those that we touch," said Kendrick.

In 2009, the Walk raised more than $2.1 million to fund research to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. With the assistance of BCBSGa, JDRF plans to once again exceed $2 million and accelerate the cure for this widespread disease.

"We are enthusiastic to once again have the support of BCBSGa at the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes. The exceptional growth and success of the Walk is a direct result of our loyal partners, like BCBSGa," said Clanci Jordan, JDRF Georgia executive director.

As many as 3 million people in the U.S. are now living with Type 1 diabetes. Each year, more than 15,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes – that's 40 children per day.  More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education.

Corporate sponsorships, corporate Walk Teams and Family Walk Teams will be the key to the success of the Walk to Cure Diabetes. For more information about JDRF, the critical research they fund and how you can help, call 404-420-5990, or visit www.jdrf.org.

About JDRF:

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation was founded in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, a chronic disease with life altering complications. This distressing fact has fueled millions to get behind JDRF and its commitment to find a cure. Today, JDRF's  leadership is associated with the most major scientific breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes.  JDRF has awarded more than $1.3 billion in grants and fellowships to laboratories, universities and medical centers in 22 countries. Locally, JDRF has supported research grants at Emory University, Georgia Tech, University of Georgia and Medical College of Georgia. To register now and participate, sponsor an event, build a walk team, or for more information, please visit www.jdrfgeorgia.org, or call 404-420-5990.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association® . The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is available at www.bcbsga.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia