On May 1, 2009, American Diabetes Wholesale paid tribute to Joyce Malaskovitz, PhD, RN, CDE, the winner of their 2nd Annual Diabetes Educator of the Year contest. They also recognized esteemed Diabetes Educator of the Year finalists Suzanne Laws, MS, RD, LD, CDE, and Laura Terrio, RN, BS, CDE.

Created to honor the unsung heroes of the diabetes epidemic, the Diabetes Educator of the Year Contest received an outpouring of support. More than 60 people from both the diabetes and the non-medical communities attended the awards ceremony, which was hosted by. NBC 6 South Florida News anchor and type 1 Joel Connable.

Other attendees included diabetes education professionals, local dignitaries, and members of the American Diabetes Wholesale Destination Diabetes advisor team. The event featured prominent speakers such as Donna Rice, immediate past president of the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and Charlie Kimball, a 24-year-old race car driver who made 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. Christopher Thomas of Diabetic Rockstar and Andy "Mr. Diabetes" Mandell of the Defeat Diabetes Foundation were also in attendance.

About the Winner

Joyce Malaskovitz believes in following dreams and taking risks. After the sudden death of her grandfather, who had diabetes, Joyce embarked upon a lifelong mission to become a nurse and certified diabetes educator and to provide the best possible care to all people with diabetes. For the past 18 years, she has served as the director of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Desert Springs Hospital and, in partnership with Healthways, has led the hospital to become the first in the nation to achieve the Certificate of Distinction for Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Care, awarded by The Joint Commission. She has spent countless hours helping diabetes colleagues across the nation to prepare for their certification. She also spends time assisting various community organizations and businesses to make a difference in the fight against diabetes. She is their voice, educator, leader, advocate, and friend.

Source: American Diabetes Wholesale