Date Announced for American Diabetes Associations 'Kids Rock The World Event.

Day Builds Self Esteem, Confidence, and Trust for Teens with Diabetes

LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) June 28, 2004 -- The American Diabetes Association San Fernando Valley Chapter has announced the official date for its second annual Kids Rock The World summer event being held Sunday, August 22, 2004 at California State University, Long Beach.

Kids Rock The World is a unique one-day program designed to promote courage, confidence and self-esteem for teens with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

The days event will center around a Ropes Course (obstacle course) in which participants use ropes, cables, and a climbing wall to work as a team to overcome both mental and physical obstacles. The adventure aids in the development of self-esteem as participants build trusting and supportive relationships with one another through teamwork and shared responsibility- qualities that have particular relevance for the management of diabetes in teens.

" It's hard enough being a teenager, but to have diabetes on top of it - that's even a bigger challenge,"said Aimee Greenholtz, KRTW chair and board member, American Diabetes Association, San Fernando Valley. " This event is an empowering way of helping teens through one of the toughest times in their lives. It shows kids they are not alone in the world, and it is possible to overcome obstacles such as diabetes."

Seventy five Type I and Type II diabetic teens, ages 11 - 15 years, will be led through this one-day event by counselors trained in diabetes. Special guest speakers and celebrity appearances are planned.

The camp is free for the children and transportantion to and from the event is available. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

The American Diabetes Association is the leading national voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information, and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to more than 800 communities. For general information about diabetes, visit the Association's Web site at www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).

Media Contacts:                                
Aimee Greenholtz         
(818) 631-5176                            
aimpr@adelphia.net         

Gillian Stone
(661) 254-1642
gstone@diabetes.org