Diabetes Scholars Foundation Announces 2015 Scholarship Recipients

PRESS RELEASE

ROLLING MEADOWS

, Ill. and

INDIANAPOLIS

,

June 25, 2015

/PRNewswire/ -- Attending college is a critical milestone in the lives of many young people. But balancing college life and a full course load while keeping a chronic disease such as diabetes in check can make an exciting time much more challenging. Today, the

Diabetes Scholars Foundation

(Foundation) announced its 2015 college scholarship recipients, a talented group of young adults with type 1 diabetes who have taken the challenge head-on while demonstrating academic excellence, community involvement and an unwavering determination to achieve their goals without letting diabetes stand in the way.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Lilly Diabetes has helped fund the Foundation's scholarship program. Since 2012, 84 students with type 1 diabetes have been awarded Lilly Diabetes Tomorrow's Leaders Scholarships, including 21 outstanding high school graduates this year.

"Our recipients haven't just successfully managed their type 1 diabetes, they've done so while moving toward changing the world for the better. They have excelled academically, are leaders in their school and community,

athletes,

musicians, researchers, writers and the future leaders of our country," said

Mary Podjasek

, president of the

Diabetes Scholars Foundation

. "Our goal is to empower these students, and we are dedicated to supporting these well deserving young adults. It is an honor to be a small part of the big ways in which they will better the world."

Recipients such as Ben, who will pursue a degree in economics at the University of

Chicago

, stand out for their academic excellence.

"Every year, we are amazed by our scholarship applicants' determination and optimism to make the most of their college experiences and life itself," said

Jacqueline Giovanoni

, global director of advocacy and professional relations, Lilly Diabetes. "Our 2015 Tomorrow's Leaders Scholarship recipients are no different. They simply refuse to let diabetes derail them. We are incredibly moved by these

remarkable

young people and proud to be part of their journey."

Lilly Diabetes also funds the Foundation program that grants conference scholarships to families to attend the annual Children with Diabetes^® Friends for Life^® conference in

Orlando

. This year, nine families will have the chance to learn about diabetes from the world's leading scientists and other experts, and share experiences with other families with children who have type 1 diabetes.

For more about the

Diabetes Scholars Foundation

and its scholarship programs, visit www.diabetesscholars.org.