MARY ZELLMER
The Zellmer Wellness Foundation
Most people don't know that Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease; that’s why Mary, a Geneva resident, feels education can make a big impact. She co-founded the Zellmer Wellness Foundation in 2011 and has been raising money since 2004 when her son, Jim, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Finding a cure became her number one mission and the foundation operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes with initiatives including areas of mental health and diabetes. “We are continuing to work to help children through research, education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of chronic illnesses,” Mary says.
“This year we created two college scholarships for high school seniors living successfully with diabetes. The scholarships will open for candidates in January 2016 through Diabetes Scholars.” In support of their efforts, cardiothoracic surgeon, author and television personality, Dr. Oz, represented the foundation in New York last year at the Cantor Fitzgerald offices in support of children with behavioral health issues. Join the fight by attending the fourth annual Trick or Trot 1/4 marathon and 5k run, the Mummy 1 Miler and the Monster Mash Kids' Dash on September 26 in Geneva. Register at www.signmeup.com/108926
–Kristen Kucharski, Photo by Lynn Logan
