New York Jets rookie quarterback sensation Mark Sanchez may have been eliminated from the 2010 playoffs, but he is still competing – this time for Type 1 diabetes.
Sanchez is trying to help the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) win at least $100,000 in grants as part of the Pepsi Refresh Project, an online campaign to fund programs that will have a positive impact on people’s lives.
“I want to help establish a much needed, nationwide educational program with JDRF to ensure that the warning signs of Type 1 diabetes will become household knowledge for medical personnel, parents, teachers, and friends,” said Sanchez. “Then, a quick and accurate diagnosis can be made and proper treatment given before it results in a life threatening situation.” Symptoms for Type 1 diabetes can be mistaken for common illnesses, such as the flu, and if left untreated, even over a very short timeframe, can be deadly.
Type 1 diabetes, which affects 3 million people, is a disease in which the immune system attacks and kills insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin helps regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.
Sanchez is competing against fellow NFL stars Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints and Demarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys. Brees is trying to raise funds to help renovate rooms at the American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Lodge, which helps the families affected by cancer have a more comfortable stay. Ware is trying to help raise funds for Jonathan’s Place, which helps to create a safe environment for abused, abandoned and neglected kids.
You can vote for Mark Sanchez by texting ‘Mark’ to Pepsi (73774). Voting ends at 12:01 a.m. on February 5, 2010. If he gets the most votes, the JDRF will get at least $100,000 in grants.
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