October 19, 2003 – What: Eli Lilly and Company, along with Lilly diabetes spokesperson and Olympic skier Kris Freeman, will present the first-ever LillyforLife Achievement Award to Rick Largent of Moscow, Idaho. The LillyforLife Achievement Award program recognizes the inspiring achievements of people of all ages with diabetes.

Who: Rick Largent, who has been living with type 1 (insulin-dependant diabetes) for 25 years, is no stranger to challenges. An unfortunate accident in 1995 left him quadriplegic. Soon thereafter, he lost his 19-year old daughter to cancer. The accident and his daughter's death put an emotional strain on his life, leaving him depressed and discouraged with his health. Largent knew he had to take control of his life. He enlisted the help of a diabetes educator and relearned diabetes care tasks, such as testing his blood sugar, and began using an insulin pump. His personal mission soon became a public one. Largent has traveled cross-country educating patients and policymakers about the dual dilemma of diabetes and disabilities, and others impacted by the disease to take control.

“I am thrilled and honored to be receiving the first LillyforLife Achievement Award,” said Largent. “Living with diabetes can be difficult at times. But, with hard work and a positive mental attitude, success and good health is possible.”

Why: Approximately 17 million Americans have diabetes, while nearly one third of those affected do not know they have the disease. Poorly controlled diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and non-accident related amputations in the United States. Because of the growing diabetes epidemic, it is important to continue educating patients about the means and the importance of managing their disease.

When: Lilly will present Largent with the first-ever LillyforLife Achievement Award at Lilly headquarters on October 16, 2003.