PANAMA CITY — Leave it to Beaver — to promote diabetes awareness.
Jerry Mathers, who portrayed Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver on the well-known ‘50s television show “Leave It to Beaver,” is coming to Panama City to lead a free “Living Healthy with Diabetes” conference hosted by PanCare of Florida, Inc. on Friday at 9 a.m. in Florida State University Panama City’s Holley Academic Center.
Mathers was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the mid-1990s. In response, he lost 55 pounds and today is a leading lecturer on living with diabetes.
“I am proud that I am able to use my celebrity to inform people about the diabetes epidemic that is sweeping the nation,” Mathers said in an email. “Many people are unaware of the consequences of this devastating disease. My hope is to bring awareness to help inspire people to be tested so that they can understand and control their blood sugar levels and get the medical treatment they need if they do test positive for diabetes.”
Mathers has been invited to share his experiences on “Larry King Live” and has addressed the Congressional Caucus on diabetes at the Capitol.
“Everyone facing the threat of diabetes or who is living with the disease is encouraged to attend this all-day event,” says Mike Hill, president and CEO of PanCare of Florida, in a news release.
“Mr. Mathers is an American icon who is living with type 2 diabetes and we are delighted that he will be with us as the featured speaker to discuss how diabetes has impacted not only his own life, but American lives since his days on the set of Leave it to Beaver.”
Want to go?
-What: “Living Healthy with Diabetes” Conference
-When: Friday at 9 a.m.
-Where: Florida State University Panama City’s Holley Academic Center, 4750 Collegiate Drive