Gov. Anoatubby 2005 Juvenile Diabetes Honoree

Gov. Bill Anoatubby

Contributed by Tony Choate, tribal media relations

OKLAHOMA CITY - Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby was honored for his leadership in fighting diabetes during the recent Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Promise Gala 2005 “Tour for the Cure.”

Foundation officials honored Gov. Anoatubby for making JDRF and diabetes research a priority.

“Every day, because of the work of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and other similar organizations, we are closer to winning the battle against diabetes,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “With continued research and the commitment of dedicated health professionals, we will find the means to not only combat the disease, but prevent it.”

The Chickasaw Nation has long been a leader in diabetes care and prevention.

A new state-of-the-art Diabetes Care Center was dedicated in April, 2004 in Ada, providing the most comprehensive diabetes care of any facility in Indian country. Vision care, dental services, nutrition services and exercise consultation are among the full range of services available at the 8,500-square-foot facility.

A tribal Family Life Center was dedicated in Ada in June, 2004. The 30,000-square-foot facility features a gymnasium, water aerobics pool, walking track, state-of-the-art exercise equipment as well as aerobics and martial arts classes. Nutrition education and menu planning are also available
Most recently, the Chickasaw Nation partnered with the Children’s Medical Research Institute to create and establish the Chickasaw Nation Endowed Research Chair in Pediatric Diabetes.

Started in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes, the Foundation funds research to research to fight juvenile diabetes – a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.

More than 120 chapters, branches, and affiliates worldwide have helped raise more than $900 million for diabetes research.