The Zellmer family has inspired a community with their annual Pumpkins for a Cure Festival (PFAC) which will take place Saturday, September 29th at the Court House lawn in historic downtown Geneva, Illinois.
The event, now in its eighth year, benefits the Zellmer Childhood Disease Foundation (ZCDF) which was founded in 2004 by Jim’s parents, Mary Agnes and Paul Zellmer.
The idea for Pumpkins came from Jim, who was diagnosed at six years old with Type 1 diabetes. He knew he wanted to help and suggested growing pumpkins, on his
grandparent’s farm in Western Iowa, and to sell them to raise money for the cause.
What started out in the front yard eventually moved to the golf course and in their first year, raised over $6k and founded the Zellmer Childhood Disease Foundation. So far, the Zellmers have raised over $250,000 for diabetes research.
We also bring two other special guests on the show to help enlighten us on Diabetes and healthy foods that actually taste great!
Amy Hess-Fischl, MS,
RD, LDN, BC-ADM, CDE, is an advanced practice dietitian and coordinator
for the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center Teen InTransit
program, a unique diabetes program for adolescents and teens with
diabetes. What started out in the front yard eventually moved to the golf course and in their first year, raised over $6k and founded the Zellmer Childhood Disease Foundation. So far, the Zellmers have raised over $250,000 for diabetes research.
We also bring two other special guests on the show to help enlighten us on Diabetes and healthy foods that actually taste great!
Amy was named 2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year by the Diabetes Care and Education practice group of the American Dietetic Association and is currently Chair of the ADA’s Diabetes Care and Education practice group, comprised of more than 6,500 registered dietitians across the country.
Chef Judson Allen, aka ‘Architect of Flavor’ recently was a part of the Food Network’s Food Network Star competition. Having struggled with weight issues for a large part of his life, he decided it was time to apply his advanced knowledge in food science and nutrition and thus began his personal journey toward adopting a healthy lifestyle change. With a palate that craved flavorful cuisine, Judson created recipes that highlighted his favorite foods infusing them with a healthier twist, all while providing an eating experience. Over a 2-year period, he was able to lose over 135 pounds, dispelling the myth that healthy food is boring and unpalatable.
W3! hopes that our audience attends The Pumpkins for a Cure Festival on September 29th to help support this wonderful cause and to raise awareness!
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