Former Miss Wisconsin shares Her Message

(Thiensville) December 1st, 2006 — Former Miss Wisconsin Tracy Gest will discuss her experience with diabetes at the Wisconsin 2006 Patient Advocacy Leadership Summit in Milwaukee on Monday, December 4th at the Italian Community Center. Gest, Miss Wisconsin 2005, has been a life-long advocate of healthy lifestyles and the prevention of diabetes. The summit is sponsored by the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians – Foundation and made possible through a grant from GlaxoSmithKline.

“My father has had diabetes for 39 years,” said Gest, “So I’ve seen it my entire life and I’ve been passionate about it.” “More than 20 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Unfortunately, nearly one-third of those who have diabetes don’t know it. More information about diabetes is needed by everyone.” As Miss Wisconsin, Gest spent a year visiting community organizations and schools, speaking about healthy lifestyles and how individual communities can help the cause of diabetes prevention. She has volunteered at diabetes summer camps, participates in walk-a-thons and released a music CD, “Keys to a Cure,” with proceeds contributed to the American Diabetes Association. She continues her diabetes advocacy work following her reign as Miss Wisconsin, with speaking appearances such as the Patient Advocacy Leadership Summit.

“As a leader for patient advocacy and the health concerns of the people of Wisconsin, we understand the need to provide comprehensive information on patient advocacy, disease management and health resources to the residents of Wisconsin,” said John Brill, President of the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP). “Tracy Gest is doing exemplary work as an advocate for diabetes awareness and healthy living and we’re pleased to have her share her experiences as a speaker at the Summit. Our goal at the Summit is to equip organizations with the knowledge to effectively advocate for the health concerns of Wisconsin’s residents.”

The Patient Advocacy Leadership Summit is a one-day informational exchange on critical health issues including immunization in Wisconsin, disease management for asthma and diabetes, prevention, intervention and innovation in healthcare and other health issues.