FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 5, 2007
Contact:  Susan Asquith - 842.2222

BUFFALO, NY – Barry E. Snyder Sr., Chairman, Seneca Diabetes Foundation (SDF), a privately funded organization founded by Snyder, announced today a commitment to establish a $1.5 million endowment fund with the Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. The Seneca Diabetes Foundation Endowment Fund will provide for funding of critical research, recruitment of top-notch pediatric endocrinologists, mentoring and internship opportunities and direct patient care for Seneca Nation members.

“Diabetes affects one out of every two Seneca Nation members,” said Chairman Snyder. “Our partnership with Women and Children’s Hospital and its pediatric specialists opens up doors to new technologies for treatment, research opportunities and patient care that are greatly needed for our people. Any advancement in the fight against diabetes is a benefit to all Senecas and non-Indians alike. I couldn’t be more pleased to be affiliated with such a renowned and beloved health care institution.”

"We are pleased to partner with the Seneca Nation in an attempt to proactively solve this most important community health issue," said James R. Kaskie, President & CEO of Kaleida Health. "Utilizing the Women and Children's Hospital as well as the family of Kaleida Health organizations will no doubt have an immediate impact in the fight against diabetes."

Chairman Snyder established the Seneca Diabetes Foundation in 2005 to aid in the fight against diabetes among the Seneca Nation people. Last year, SDF and the Independent Health Foundation joined forces to launch the Good for the Neighborhood program on the Seneca territories.  In September, SDF provided funding for two specially-equipped transport vans for Seneca Nation members in need of safe, comfortable transportation to and from dialysis treatment.  SDF has also funded five collegiate scholarships and two high school internships to qualified students pursing careers in areas supporting professional health care and medical services.

“Creating healthy individuals and families, from our youngest members to our revered elders, is one of our top priorities as a Nation,” said Seneca Nation President Maurice John. “Working with the Seneca Diabetes Foundation and the professionals at Women and Children’s Hospital provides not only critical care needed to address our diabetes epidemic, but opportunities to educate Seneca Nation members who one day can carry on the mission to prevent and fight diabetes for all people.”

“Buffalo is fortunate to have one of the nation’s premier women and children’s hospitals located in the heart of our great city,” said Mayor Byron Brown. “Today, we receive a new commitment to the mission of Women and Children’s Hospital with this generous investment from the Seneca Diabetes Foundation, which will help to continue the courageous fight against a disease that does not discriminate against race, color or ethnicity.”

A three to five member committee comprised of SDF Board members and Women and Children’s Hospital representatives will oversee the Fund, determining how the monies are used. Only the interest generated from the endowment is spent, providing an everlasting source for program and treatment funding.

Net proceeds from this year’s Seneca Diabetes Foundation Chairman’s Ball will be principally reserved to establish the initial funding for the Endowment. The two-day event will be held on Friday and Saturday, February 9 & 10, 2007 at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel’s Seneca Events Center. The weekend will kick off with a black-tie gala featuring music by jazz great Bobby Militello and the Jimmy Tudini Big Band on Friday followed on Saturday by a priceless performance by the legendary Patti LaBelle, national advocate and spokesperson for diabetes prevention and research.

“This past year has been tremendously rewarding for SDF,” said Snyder. “Monies raised from last year’s successful gala, our 2nd Annual Golf Classic and from individual events are enabling us to make a difference in the education, prevention, cure and treatment of diabetes.”

The Seneca Diabetes Foundation filed in November as a 501[c][3] organization. Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, a Kaleida Health facility, is the regional center for comprehensive and state-of-the-art pediatric, neonatal, perinatal and obstetrical services in Western New York and beyond.

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