The Palmetto Chapter JDRF

JDRF Congratulates American Idol Finalist Crystal Bowersox

June 15, 2010

Contact:          
Joana Casas, JDRF Media Relations
(212) 479-7560; mcasas@jdrf.org

NEW YORK, May 27, 2010 -- The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the world's largest charitable funder and advocate of type 1 diabetes research, congratulates Crystal Bowersox as the finalist of the ninth season of American Idol. 

Bowersox, 24, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was six years old.  Throughout the competition, Bowersox encouraged the public to support JDRF's mission to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.  A native of Elliston, Ohio, Crystal and her family have previously been involved with JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes events. 

"We are proud to see Crystal come in as finalist of American Idol, as we see yet again another talented public figure put a face on type 1 diabetes," said Dr. Mark Watkins, Board President of JDRF Northwest Ohio.  "With an undeniable talent, Crystal has already inspired millions of children and adults with type 1 diabetes that a disease doesn't have to stop them from fulfilling their goals.  And as someone who supports JDRF's mission to fund research to accelerate progress towards a cure, we hope that Crystal continues to serve as a positive role model and advocate to all children and adults living with this disease."