Diabetes Partnership introduces Jean Rider scholarship

Staff report

Diabetes Partnership of the Mahoning Valley introduced the Jean Rider Scholarship at its Nov. 30 meeting.

In the coming year, three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to Mahoning Valley applicants who are Type 1 insulin-dependent diabetics. A separate fund has been established with the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, a 501(c)3 organization that manages funds for the DPMV. The partnership is focusing on expanding its scholarship program.

Rider has been a diabetic for 59 years. As a member of her local chapter of the American Diabetes Association, she created support groups, provided education at local schools and set up locations for diabetic blood testing, and held leadership positions from secretary to president. She was secretary for the Ohio ADA and a local delegate for national ADA conferences.

She was the first patient in Ohio to wear an insulin pump. She created a Pump Club and became a certified pump instructor in 1992.

Rider earned a 1998 volunteer work appreciation award from the Ohio Affiliates of the Board of Directors of the ADA and was honored at the 2007 St. Elizabeth Diabetes Expo for her continued service to those with diabetes.

She became a member of the DPMV in 2011, and has served as its treasurer. She volunteers each year with her husband Fred at the partnership’s Canfield Fair information booth.

The DPMV’s scholarship fund is being initiated in Rider’s name to honor her advocacy for the diabetic community and service to the partnership.

Dr. Michelle Anania of Ankle and Foot Care Centers was announced as a new board member and Heather Littler as an advocate for DPMV.