Around Alone Skipper John Dennis/Dream Fund

NEWPORT, R.I. (May 19, 2003) -- Canadian Around Alone race skipper John Dennis met up with his biggest little fans, "the Guzzo Gang," this past weekend aboard his 50-foot yacht Bayer Ascensia. Since the inception of the Around Alone, the second grade class--led by teacher Kathy Guzzo of Kendall Park, N.J.--has been following the event’s solo sailors to learn about the world, its issues, and cultural differences. Dennis, who suffers from type 2 diabetes, became one of the favorites of the class, who also educated themselves about the illness and came to fully appreciate Dennis’ challenge of managing both his boat and his condition while at sea.

The Guzzo Gang raised $12,000 to come to Newport for two days and meet their Around Alone heroes. They even paid for and hosted a dinner for the skippers Thursday night at Ocean Cliff, where they performed skits and dances depicting different aspects of the skippers’ individual voyages.

"These kids are just unbelievable," said Dennis, who kept in constant contact with the class by email during racing. "Just as I had a dream to be in this race, these kids had a dream to be part of the adventure, and they made it happen."

Dennis’ sponsor Bayer Diagnostics returned the gracious gesture with a special "Living the Dream" luncheon on Friday for Dennis and the Guzzo Gang at the Regatta Club on Goat Island. Also attending was 7-year-old Connor Zanini, who met Dennis prior to the race only weeks after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. According to Zanini’s grandparents, Elaine and David Daniels of Newport, Dennis has been helping Zanini better manage his day-to-day experience.

"When I first approached Bayer to sponsor me," said Dennis, "I never imagined that my being Skipper of the Bayer Ascensia would impact so many people. In this past year I’ve been able to reach out to people with diabetes, to the disabled and physically challenged, to the senior community, and people all over the world who consider themselves adventurers. I’ve met people just like myself who I know have dreams, and I’m going to spend the rest of the year encouraging them to achieve them."

At Friday’s luncheon, Dennis furthered his message by sounding a call to action to rally people with diabetes to live life to the fullest by considering application to The Ascensia Dream Fund 2003. The Ascensia Dream Fund has been established to provide support and recognition to people with diabetes for whom self-monitoring is a cornerstone of their diabetes management. It began when Dennis approached Bayer requesting sponsorship in the Around Alone race. The satisfaction of helping John inspired Bayer to create the fund to help other people with diabetes achieve lifelong dreams. People with diabetes in the US, 18 and older, can apply for The Ascensia Dream Fund by downloading an application at www.ascensiadreamfund.com or by calling 800-332-3210. Applications must be received by no later than September 12, 2003.