Based on 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 23.6 million children and adults in the United States (which equals to 7.8% of the population) have diabetes. The disease can cause devastating consequences if untreated or without proper care. The American Diabetes Association is here to help and we are excited to present the email interview with Steven B. Shivak, Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association of Western PA.
-What is your name and what is your affiliation with the organization?
Steven B. Shivak, Executive Director, American Diabetes Association of Western PA
-Please tell us little bit about you.
I’ve been involved in non-profit management for over 20 years. I wanted to lead the
local office of the American Diabetes Association because of my family’s history of
diabetes. Diabetes affects so many families yet there is doesn’t seem to be an
urgency around diabetes like other diseases. I’m here to help raise awareness of
the dangers of diabetes and also money to find a cure.
-How / why did your organization start? (Background, History)
The American Diabetes Association is 70 years old (founded in 1940) and as a result
of incredible volunteers from the medical community help set the standard of care
individuals with diabetes receive across the world. 24 million Americans currently
have diabetes (over 90 percent of people with diabetes have Type 2) and an
additional 57 million Americans are in danger of getting diabetes in their lifetime.
Today, the American Diabetes Association sets the standard of care medical
professionals use in treating patients, raises millions of dollars each year to fund
diabetes research, creates programs and outreach to educate individuals directly and
indirectly touched by diabetes and advocates on behalf of individuals with diabetes.
-What is your organization’s objective? (What does it do?)
The mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and
to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
-How long has the organization been around?
The American Diabetes Association was founded in 1940.
-What kind of events / activities does your organization do?
The American Diabetes Association conducts the only Diabetes EXPO in our region -
attracting over 4,000 attendees each year. The Diabetes EXPO is held in November
each year at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and provides attendees with the
opportunity to meet with equipment vendors, insurance providers, healthcare
professionals and learn more about how to live a healthy lifestyle via cooking
demonstrations, workshops, activity areas. The EXPO provides opportunities to take
advantage of an array of screenings including vision, hearing and glucose as well as
getting an annual flu shot. Contact Terri Seidman at 412.824.1181, ext. 4608 or
tseidman@diabetes.org.
The American Diabetes Association also hosts the only Diabetes Camp in Western
Pennsylvania for children with diabetes. Each year, over 125 children between the
ages of 8-16 attend a 5-day overnight camp where they interact with other children
with diabetes, learn diabetes management techniques, manage their nutritional intake
and learn from onsite medical professionals on how to be responsible for monitoring
their disease. Children who attend diabetes camp learn they are not alone. They
create lifetime friendships and learn they are not alone in fighting this disease.
Contact Terri Seidman at 412.824.1181, ext. 4608 or tseidman@diabetes.org.
Fundraising events include:
1) Tour de Cure – June 2011 bike ride. Participants choose the length of ride they
want to take (8, 20,30,50 or 100 mile course) through the winding roads of Western
Pennsylvania. Individuals with diabetes are recognized with a special jersey -
reminding us we are riding to help find a cure for them and all people with
diabetes. This is a great activity for novice and serious cyclists alike. At the
rides completion we celebrate over lunch, music and activities. Contact Nicole
Sperduto at 412.824.1181, ext. 4604 or nsperduto@diabetes.org.
2) Father of the Year – June 2011. We celebrate incredible men who are terrific
fathers and have achieved professional success while not forgetting their
responsibilities as fathers and being involved in their communities. The American
Diabetes Association has partnered up with the Father’s Day Council to make this
event a great success in Pittsburgh. Spouses and children provide moving video’s on
why the men being recognized are so important to them. To sponsor or attend this
event contact Danielle Coccaro at 412.824.1181, ext. 4609 or dcoccaro@diabetes.org.
3) Drive Away Diabetes Golf Outing – August 2011. Participants enjoy a great day of
golf at Allegheny Country Club and help raise much needed money for diabetes
research, outreach and advocacy. One of the most affordable charity golf outings in
our area, we look to raise money and visibility of the disease. For information on
sponsorship and foursomes contact Steve Shivak at 412.824.1181, ext. 4605 or
sshivak@diabetes.org.
4) STEP OUT: Walk to Fight Diabetes – September 2011. Participants raise money
while enjoying a pleasant stroll through the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.
During their walk participants visit with vendors, sponsors, educational booths all
culminating under the party tent for snacks, live entertainment and networking. For
more information contact Amy Kusic at 412.824.1181, ext. 4520 or akusic@diabetes.org
5) Company or Individual Fundraisers – Throughout 2011. Companies and individuals
have created incredible events that raise money for the American Diabetes
Association. From school dances and school walks, to 5k races and bowling events,
companies and individuals have provided tremendous support to the American Diabetes
Association for decades. To learn more on how you can organize your own fundraiser
contact Danielle Cocarro at 412.824.1181 ext. 4609 or dcoccaro@diabetes.org
6) Individual, Company or Club Giving – Throughout 2011. So many individuals,
companies and clubs throughout Western Pennsylvania have provided tremendous support
to the American Diabetes Association. This support helps fund our diabetes camp for
children and research grants.
-How can people get in touch with your organization (or you)? (website, email,
telephone etc)
American Diabetes Association of Western Pennsylvania
Landmarks Building
100 West Station Square Drive
First Floor, Suite 1900
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412.824.1181
888.DIABETES
sshivak@diabetes.org
www.diabetes.org
-Any messages to Greater Pittsburgh?
Throughout the years, individuals and companies in Western Pennsylvania have given
the American Diabetes Association so much support. We greatly appreciate your
continued assistance as we work to find a cure for diabetes and improve the lives of
all people affected by this disease. Diabetes leads to so many other health
complications including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and dialysis, blindness
and nerve damage.
We are always looking for great volunteers to get involved on our committees, make
introductions for us, raise money or get involved to use their talents to help us
cure diabetes.
