Diabetes Research and Awareness Receives Big Boost

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WOODHAVEN, Mich., Sept 24, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Diabetes research and awareness received a big boost thanks to a generous gift of more than $100,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) raised by Thomas McInerney, owner and president of McInerney's Woodhaven Chrysler Jeep.
McInerney's son, James A. McInerney, suffered from the disease and had a fatal heart attack in January 2007. McInerney created the first annual Jimmy McInerney Memorial Golf Classic, held August 19th at the Cherry Creek Golf Club in Shelby Township, to raise money to combat diabetes. As a result of the inaugural event, McInerney presented a $100,000 check to the JDRF September 21.
"My wife, Jacqueline and I, along with Jimmy's widow, Debbie and their daughter, Hayley, thought about how we could best pay tribute to our son and honor his memory," McInerney said. "We're delighted that we not only raised a lot of money, but raised awareness as well about diabetes.
"McInerney's Woodhaven Chrysler Jeep has had a long history of supporting our hometown community, but this was a project that was close to home. We really understood the importance of reaching out to spread our message to as many people as possible."
McInerney joined forces with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and together with the sponsors and volunteers, came up with the event -- a day of golf, entertainment, auctions and guest speakers.
"Diabetes is a growing threat to our community and the McInerney's help in raising funds gets us one step closer to a cure," said Jim Slaughter, executive director of JDRF's Southeast Michigan chapter. "Although focused on finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes, our research benefits both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics -- which combined effect an estimated 25 million Americans," Slaughter adds.
The JDRF is the leading funder and advocate of Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. Type 1 Diabetes is a disease which strikes children and young adults suddenly and requires injections or infusion of insulin daily to stay alive. The disease can lead to kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke and amputation. As many as 3 million people in the U.S. have Type 1 diabetes.
"We are already gearing up for next year's event," McInerney said. "Together, we think we can make some real progress in knocking out juvenile diabetes."
About McInerney's Woodhaven Chrysler Jeep: McInerney's Woodhaven Chrysler Jeep is a member of the Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association. The Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association is a group of 39 independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeast Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville and from Clinton to Port Huron. Web site: www.chryslerjeepsuperstores.com.
SOURCE McInerney's Woodhaven Chrysler Jeep