Zleta Vanburen, a mother who suddenly lost her daughter to diabetes in August of last year would like to share her story with you:
 
My daughter, Mi' Angel, was a perfectly healthy and active 10-year-old who loved dance, cheerleading, karate, and was a wonderful and bright student. 
 
She received regular checkups and physical exams and her physicians never expressed a concern. Mi' Angel became very ill after returning to Michigan in August of last year and we lost her in a matter of days as she suddenly entered into a diabetic coma and her heart failed as she was being airlifted to Detroit.
 
This experience changed the course of my life. It inspired me to pursue a career in the medical field. I'm currently completing an externship in patient tech care and studying toward my Associates in Health Science with the hope of working in pediatrics one day.
 
My message is simple: educate yourself and get regular screenings to ensure you're able to live a long and healthy life.  
 
The Legacy Civic Fund, St. Mary's of Michigan, Saginaw County CAC, First Ward, KISS 107.1 and the YMCA are partnering to hold health fairs with free diabetes screenings and services for residents in conjunction with American Diabetes Awareness month:
 
Friday, November 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
First Ward
1410 N. 12th Street
Saginaw, MI, 48601
 
Monday, November 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saginaw County CAC
2824 Perkins Street
Saginaw, MI 48601
 
The following services will be provided to residents free of charge at each health fair: foot exams, blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing and eye exams.
 
Health care providers, dietitians, pharmacists, and fitness instructors will also be on hand to answer questions and educate those in attendance about the disease and what they can do to live a long and healthy life.
 
Diabetes is a disease, if left unchecked, which can damage every part of the body. It can cause heart disease, kidney disease, loss of vision and blindness, amputations, depression, gum disease, digestive disorders, hearing loss, and other health complications.
 
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes; another 57 million people are at risk of developing the disease.
 
We will also be raffling Thanksgiving turkeys every half hour during the health fairs. Everyone who attends will be entered into the drawing and have an opportunity to win a Thanksgiving turkey to celebrate the holiday with their family and friends.
 
Registration is not required to attend the health fairs, they are open and free to the public and screenings will occur on a first come, first served basis. We look forward to seeing you at the fairs. 

Remember, get tested, live healthy and enjoy your life to the fullest!

Daniel R. Opsommer