Verizon Wireless Donates $100,000 to the American Diabetes Association

NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- In November, Verizon Wireless and the American Diabetes Association teamed up to help Stop Diabetes®, a movement aimed at ending the devastating toll that diabetes takes on the lives of millions of individuals across the nation. Through the Verizon Wireless' "Helping You Live A Better Life" sweepstakes, the company announced that it is donating $100,000 to the foundation as part of its commitment to improving the lives of its customers and the community-at-large.

Verizon Wireless supported the American Diabetes Association's Live Empowered program, which is designed to improve the health of the African American community through a variety of community-based activities. Representatives from Verizon Wireless participated in several events in order to educate attendees about the benefits of using mobile technology, such as applications available on the Android platform, to monitor and improve one's health.

"Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems affecting the African American community today and Verizon Wireless is honored to support the American Diabetes Association in their fight against the disease," said Fernando Molinar, senior marketing manager for the northeast region of Verizon Wireless. "In this age of technology, there are so many ways we can keep track of our health and set up achievable goals to improve it. With the donation Verizon is making, we hope to encourage, inspire and empower people to live healthier lifestyles."

Earlier this year, Verizon organized the "Helping You Live A Better Life" sweepstakes to raise awareness about the dangers of diabetes and to involve the community in participating in activities that improve their health. Recently, Suzette Brooks from the Bronx, New York, was selected as the winner of the sweepstakes and Verizon Wireless will be making a $100,000 donation to the American Diabetes Association in her name. In addition, Ms. Brooks was awarded a weekend trip for two to Canyon Ranch Health Spa in Lenox, MA, courtesy of Verizon Wireless. The trip is designed to jumpstart her healthier lifestyle in 2011.

"I am very excited and honored to win this prize and I hope that this money will help to find a cure for diabetes," said Suzette Brooks.

"Recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes by 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes®," said Larry Hausner, CEO, American Diabetes Association.  "The support from Verizon Wireless is another step in the effort to help lower this statistic, and ultimately prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes."

For more information about Verizon Wireless please visit www.verizonwireless.com. Photos and video from the check presentation are available upon request.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  

About the American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, The Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless