Joyce Malaskovitz, PhD, RN, CDE
American Diabetes Wholesale's Diabetes Educator of the Year

American Diabetes Wholesale paid tribute to Joyce Malaskovitz, PhD, RN, CDE, the winner of their Second Annual Diabetes Educator of the Year Contest, on May 1, 2009 at an award ceremony held at The Boca Raton Resort & Club, Boca Raton, Fla. Created to recognize the unsung heroes of the diabetes epidemic, the Diabetes Educator of the Year Contest was an opportunity to bring together all factions of the community to raise awareness for the often-devastating implications of this disease, according to a news release from American Diabetes Wholesale.

Hosted by veteran television news anchor Joel Connable, who has type 1 diabetes, and sponsored by Home Diagnostics Inc, a developer, manufacturer and marketer of diabetes management solutions, the Second Annual Diabetes Educator of the Year Awards Ceremony was a platform for like-minded and concerned individuals to come together and share ideas. Event attendees ranged from those whose lives have been touched by diabetes, members of the medical community, and concerned citizens looking to make an impact on this devastating disease. In addition, the event featured prominent speakers such as Donna Rice, CDE, immediate Past President of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and Charlie Kimball, a 24-year-old professional race car driving phenom who made international history with a podium finish in the Formula 3 Euro series in his first race after he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2007.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support we've received in our efforts to recognize the hard work put in by so many health care professionals across the country," said Chris Maguire, Vice President of American Diabetes Wholesale. "All three of our finalists encompass the spirit and passion necessary to make an impact in the fight against diabetes, and we are honored to have such extraordinary individuals as part of the American Diabetes Wholesale family."

Joyce Malaskovitz was chosen by the community-at-large as this year's winner because of her commitment, compassion, and ability to provide much-needed education and care to the diabetes community throughout her career. She has dedicated her entire 28-year nursing career to improving the lives of those living with diabetes and strategically partnering with organizations and businesses to assist her in achieving her personal and professional dreams for people with diabetes. For her patients, she is their voice, educator, leader, advocate, and friend.

For more information on Joyce Malaskovitz, the finalists, and American Diabetes Wholesale's Second Annual Diabetes Educator of the Year Contest, please call 877-241-9002 or visit www.americandiabeteswholesale.com/Contest.