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Kalyani Deshpande
Marketing Manager
DiabetesSisters
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DiabetesSisters Awarded $9,535 Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation

Durham, N.C., February 20, 2009 – DiabetesSisters, whose mission is to create unity and empowerment among women with diabetes, announced today that it has received a capacity building grant of $9,535 from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (BCBSNCF).

"We are excited about the grant and the opportunities it will provide to our organization. We would like to thank the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation for its support," said Brandy Barnes, Founder and Executive Director, DiabetesSisters. DiabetesSisters will use the grant towards board development, strategic and resource development planning.

January marked the organization’s one year anniversary. Barnes, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in her sophomore year in high school, established the organization knowing the unique challenges that women with diabetes face and recognizing the lack of a support system. "With over 750 members in less than a year, many of whom are from the Triangle area of North Carolina, it is obvious that we are filling a void in the current healthcare system. Women with diabetes have unique issues and needs. I am proud of the work we are doing to bring awareness to these issues," Barnes said.

Member Donna Wright of Texas says "DiabetesSisters has given me the motivation and support I need to keep up with my diabetes management. When I found DiabetesSisters, I had lost the motivation that came along with my initial diagnosis. I was frustrated and discouraged. This organization provides a place where someone will always understand what I am going through and be supportive no matter what."

With the BCBSNCF grant, DiabetesSisters will further develop its organization and provide support to women like Donna Wright who have diabetes.

About DiabetesSisters
DiabetesSisters is a Durham-based non-profit health organization dedicated to uniting and empowering women with diabetes all over the world. The organization’s key initiatives include the International Diabetes Buddy Program, which matches members of similar ages and diabetes type via email and the Women’s Forum, where women can connect online to share their stories in a non-judgmental space. In addition, members have access to weekly and monthly blogs, the opportunity to engage with healthcare professionals who have diabetes themselves, a free medication/appointment reminder program, a monthly newsletter, and stores filled with items for women with diabetes. More information is available at www.diabetessisters.org.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation is a separate, independent, nonprofit foundation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of North Carolinians. The Foundation's focus areas include: Health of Vulnerable Populations - improving health outcomes of populations served by safety net organizations; Healthy Active Communities - increasing physical activity and encouraging healthy eating habits; and Community Impact through Nonprofit Excellence - increasing the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations. More information is available at www.bcbsncfoundation.org.

 

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