/24-7PressRelease/ - RALEIGH, NC, March 19, 2007 -- At age 12, Gregory Ellis and his dog, Kiwi, have a very interesting story to tell. You see, Gregory was diagnosed a little over a year ago with type 1 juvenile diabetes while on tour performing as Tommy in Clay Aiken's 2005 "Joyful Noise" production.
Gregory is already a seasoned actor, performing since age 10. He was a big hit with the Clay Aiken fans, who followed him on tour with Clay's popular holiday production. Gregory also appeared in North Carolina Theatre's "Camelot," which starred pop songstress Debby Boone. His most recent display of talent was in "The Music Man," performing on stage with Tom Wopat of "Dukes of Hazzard" fame, who played the leading role of Harold Hill.
But when Gregory tells you he has faced some major changes in his life with diabetes, he is not acting.
Gregory and his family hope that his personal situation might be inspiring and raise awareness and contributions for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Right now, they ask for your help to put JDRF in the running to win an important recognition and a matching donation from Kevin Bacon of up to $10,000. The challenge is on SixDegrees.org and it ends March 31st, 2007 at midnight.
Everything you need to know about this important fundraiser can be found at http://EddieTheDawg.org where you will find Gregory's JDRF Six Degrees Charity Badge. You can donate as little as $10 or download a flyer there to help spread the word. Donations are made by clicking on the DONATE button on the badge and using a credit card or check online through NetworkForGood.org, which then forwards the donation to JDRF.
While on tour, Gregory fell in love with Raleigh, Clay's border terrier, and so later his family also purchased Kiwi, a dog from the same breeder who is Raleigh's half-sister. Kiwi, only a little over one year old, already has her own fans! Kiwi sported a Gregory's Gang t-shirt for the Raleigh North Carolina JDRF Walk To Cure Diabetes last October with tail-wagging enthusiasm, joining over 7,000 walkers and raising over one million dollars for diabetes research.
When you visit EddieTheDawg.org, you will also find a link from Gregory's JDRF Charity Badge to a special video montage of Gregory and his life with diabetes, including his recent experience with an insulin pump. The montage is set to the music of "The Storm" which was written and produced by Big Planz and performed by Elliott Yamin, an American Idol finalist, who won the respect and adoration of people all over the world through his gifted vocal styles, and yes, the fact that he also lives with type 1 diabetes and wears an insulin pump.
Visit EddieTheDawg.org at http://EddieTheDawg.org to donate to Gregory's JDRF Charity Badge and put JDRF in the TOP 6 to win the generous matching funds from Kevin Bacon. Since it is the number of donations entered through a single badge that wins, they are asking that everyone who has diabetes or loves someone who is living with this disease join in by using Gregory's badge to make a difference in diabetes research.
Eddie The Dawg says, "Together we can lick this."
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According to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International:
— As many as 3 million Americans may have type 1 diabetes. (Type 1 Diabetes, 2004;KRC Research for JDRF, Jan. 2005)
— Each year over 13,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. That's 35 children each and every day.
For more information on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation visit http://www.jdrf.org
American Idol is a registered trademark of 19 TV Ltd. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc.
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Special thanks to the following individuals and organizations who supported this press release distribution or the creation of the charity badge program:
— Kevin Bacon and SixDegrees.org - http://sixdegrees.org
— Network For Good - http://networkforgood.org
— JDRF Eastern North Carolina Chapter - http://www.jdrftriangle.org
— Montage by Shanna
— "The Quiet Storm" written and produced by Big Planz, featuring Elliott Yamin
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iPlan.com to acquire MBAplan.com family: Leonard Woods, 888-932-2178 ext.80 http://iPlan.com
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About EddieTheDawg.org
EddieTheDawg.org is a free public service that combines fun and entertainment with awareness campaigns and fundraising for celebrities and their charities.
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