Jim Cook Day of Hope for Diabetes^® returns to the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower on Saturday, March 28, and everyone is encouraged to attend. This free, educational event is presented by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation and produced by the Desert Diabetes Club.

This year’s celebrity keynote speaker is Tony Award- and Emmy Award-winning actor, dancer and singer Ben Vereen, who thrilled crowds at the event two years ago. The animated song-and-dance man won a Tony award for his role in the Broadway musical Pippin; was memorable as Chicken George in the TV miniseries Roots; and nabbed an Emmy for the TV special Ben Vereen…His Roots.

As a person living with Type 2 diabetes, Vereen has worked tirelessly as a diabetes advocate — traveling across the country to encourage people living with diabetes to join him in a national movement for better blood sugar control.

Vereen’s presentation will accompany educational sessions by physicians, researchers, nutritionists and experts from Eisenhower Medical Center and the community. Topics will include the latest diabetes treatment, dental health, pre-diabetes, new findings, diet, exercise, and long-term implications. The popular “Ask the Doctor” session will return offering attendees the opportunity to query physicians about their particular areas of concern.

Spanish sessions with Rodolfo Batarse, MD, will take place at 8:30am and 10am.

This year’s medical keynote speaker is Etie Moghissi, MD, FACP, FACE, a recognized leader in endocrinology who will discuss the importance of creating balance in managing diabetes and minimizing hypoglycemia risks.

A product fair showcasing the latest technology, treatments, and resources for persons with diabetes will be open to all attendees. Free screenings of the heart, eyes and feet and more will be available for Desert Diabetes Club members.

The Desert Diabetes Club is a non-profit organization designed to educate all Coachella Valley residents about both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The club meets monthly (October through May) at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower. With a tax-deductible membership of $25, members receive vital information about diabetes and improving their quality of life through lectures by diabetes professionals. Social and support events are also planned throughout the season.

If diabetes affects you or someone you love, you are encouraged to attend this FREE event to enjoy the festivities and to learn the latest information on controlling the disease and living a life of wellness.

Jim Cook Day of Hope for Diabetes® will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower. For more information, please call (760) 773.1578 or visit emc.org/ddc.