Natalie Scavone is not one to sit on the sidelines.
The instructor for the Cayuga-Onondaga Board of Cooperative Education Services' New Visions Teacher Education program, Scavone opens the world of education to high school seniors who may see teaching in their future.
But preparing teenagers for college and the workforce is not the only thing Scavone does to effect the community around her.
On Saturday, Scavone will participate in the annual Tour de Cure bicycle marathon sponsored by the American Diabetes Association to raise funds to advance diabetes research and eventually find a cure for the disease that effects 20.8 million people in the United States alone.
“I figured I have my health, so I'd like to use my health to hopefully find a cure for someone else,” Scavone said
Diabetes is not an unknown disease to Scavone; her mother was diagnosed with it 40 years ago and her brother this past November. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone need to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy for daily life. While there is no known cause, environmental issues such as lack of exercise and obesity can contribute to contracting the disease.
According to the ADA, most people with diabetes fall within two categories, type one and type two. Type one results from the body's failure to produce insulin, while type two stems from insulin resistance when the body fails to properly use insulin combined with an insulin deficiency. Most people are diagnosed with type two diabetes.
“I know that with diabetes comes a whole bunch of other health issues, like cardiovascular disease, blindness, loss of limbs,” said Scavone, who has participated in the marathon for 15 years. “Even though they are type two diabetic, which can certainly be controlled by different factors, there are others with type one that are born with it. They don't have a choice and helping an association that is looking for a cure is a worthwhile use of my time.”
Forty states are organizing Tour de Cure marathons this year. The local central New York ADA office, based out of Utica, is holding its race this weekend at Verona Beach State Park.
Cyclists can opt to ride various routes ranging in distance, 15, 25, 40, 62.5 and 100 miles.
Scavone is leading a five-member team, The Blue Stuff, which includes one of her students, Kara Catino, of Auburn, along the 25-mile route, named after her after she lobbied the local ADA chapter to have a route in between the 15 and 40-mile distances.
Scavone has received 31 pledges totaling $925 for diabetes research, and is hoping to surpass her personal high - $1,005 - collected last year by raising $1,100.
“It's just my way of giving back,” she said. “I think people really applaud that. The reception is very warm.”
Scavone is looking sponsors, as well as people who want to join her team. Any person interested can contact her at Seward Elementary School at 255-8600 or Sylvia Hough, associate director of the ADA Utica office, at 735-6434, ext. 3691.
But preparing teenagers for college and the workforce is not the only thing Scavone does to effect the community around her.
On Saturday, Scavone will participate in the annual Tour de Cure bicycle marathon sponsored by the American Diabetes Association to raise funds to advance diabetes research and eventually find a cure for the disease that effects 20.8 million people in the United States alone.
“I figured I have my health, so I'd like to use my health to hopefully find a cure for someone else,” Scavone said
Diabetes is not an unknown disease to Scavone; her mother was diagnosed with it 40 years ago and her brother this past November. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone need to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy for daily life. While there is no known cause, environmental issues such as lack of exercise and obesity can contribute to contracting the disease.
According to the ADA, most people with diabetes fall within two categories, type one and type two. Type one results from the body's failure to produce insulin, while type two stems from insulin resistance when the body fails to properly use insulin combined with an insulin deficiency. Most people are diagnosed with type two diabetes.
“I know that with diabetes comes a whole bunch of other health issues, like cardiovascular disease, blindness, loss of limbs,” said Scavone, who has participated in the marathon for 15 years. “Even though they are type two diabetic, which can certainly be controlled by different factors, there are others with type one that are born with it. They don't have a choice and helping an association that is looking for a cure is a worthwhile use of my time.”
Forty states are organizing Tour de Cure marathons this year. The local central New York ADA office, based out of Utica, is holding its race this weekend at Verona Beach State Park.
Cyclists can opt to ride various routes ranging in distance, 15, 25, 40, 62.5 and 100 miles.
Scavone is leading a five-member team, The Blue Stuff, which includes one of her students, Kara Catino, of Auburn, along the 25-mile route, named after her after she lobbied the local ADA chapter to have a route in between the 15 and 40-mile distances.
Scavone has received 31 pledges totaling $925 for diabetes research, and is hoping to surpass her personal high - $1,005 - collected last year by raising $1,100.
“It's just my way of giving back,” she said. “I think people really applaud that. The reception is very warm.”
Scavone is looking sponsors, as well as people who want to join her team. Any person interested can contact her at Seward Elementary School at 255-8600 or Sylvia Hough, associate director of the ADA Utica office, at 735-6434, ext. 3691.
Citizen
Hot Jobs
New! Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are No comments posted.