The Belize Diabetes Association has established a branch in San Pedro. The organization was given the formal stamp of approval to conduct business on the island by the National President of the Belize Diabetes Association, Anthony Castillo on November 15th, 2011.

The members of the San Pedro Branch of the Diabetes Association are Chairman – Pablo Sosa, Vice Chairman – Atlantida Eiley, Treasurer – Hipolito Ruiz, Secretary – Lina Hoare and executive members are Teresita Guerrero, Enoe Guerrero, Eleonor Rosado, Rigoberto Kumul and Apolonio Reyes.

The group meets weekly on Tuesdays at the Ruiz residence at 7:30PM.

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San Pedro Diabetes Association holds second fundraiser

The San Pedro branch of the Belize Diabetes Association, established on November 15, 2011 held a fund raiser on Saturday January 14th at the Central Park. This marks the association’s second fundraiser. The first was a bicycle raffle which was held on December 23, 2011.

According to secretary, Mrs. Lina Hoare, the fundraiser was a huge success. The food sale fundraiser commenced at 10AM and the food was sold out by 1PM. Entertainment was provided by DJ Polo. Mrs. Hoare stated one of the main objectives of the association is to raise sufficient funds in order to purchase diabetes medications. Once the association has purchased the medications, they will be available to diabetic patients at a discounted price.

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The San Pedro Diabetes Association holds Fundraiser

The San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Diabetes Association, formed on November 15th, 2011 held their first fundraiser on Sunday February 12th at the Lion’s Den. The fashion show fundraiser marks the first in its kind, going towards a Dialysis Center for the Island.

The San Pedro Sun spoke with Pablo Sosa, Chairperson for the SPDA;

“We have many things in plan right now. Our priority is to get this dialysis center opened here on the island. As you are aware right now only Belize City and Cayo have dialysis machines, so it’s very costly and hard for us people here in San Pedro to get the service. There are many people here in San Pedro that are diabetic and they need to get treatment. It’s very expensive to travel and some people have to do it twice a week.”

The association is in the process of formulating a budget that would encompass the acquisition of a dialysis machine as well as allot for the daily operation of a center that would house the machine. According to Sosa;

“Right now we are getting the correct amount; cost and daily operations of a center. Hopefully by the end of the month we will have that. As soon as we get that, we’re going to do a massive radio-thon to collect more funds.”

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