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Upstate News

Adventurer Will Cross to speak at Community Diabetes Forum Nov.5

Adventurer Will Cross, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 9, will offer a patient’s perspective and discuss his recent expeditions to both the North and South Poles at the Community Diabetes Forum Nov. 5 at the OnCenter, 800 South State St. in Syracuse.

The forum, which also includes presentations by medical professionals from the Joslin Diabetes Center, runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. However pre-registration is required. To register call 1-800-464-8668. Registration deadline is Nov. 3.

Cross has never let his diabetes hinder his outlook or his physical accomplishment. He reached the North Pole on foot April 20, 2001 and trekked to the South Pole a year later. His expedition log also includes ascents of Denali (the highest peak in North America), Aconcagua (the highest peak in South America), Mt. Blanc, the Matterhorn, the Grand Teton and Alpamayo, as well as the Sahara Desert.

Cross credits his good health and positive outlook to regular monitoring of his blood sugar levels, exercise and good nutrition. In addition to raising money for diabetes research and care, Cross’s travels have also served to demonstrate to children that a diagnosis of diabetes does not mean one’s pursuits in life have to be limited.

When not mountaineering, Cross enjoys spending time with his wife and four children and works as a principal of an alternative school in Pittsburgh.

The forum opens with a vendor fair at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion on diabetes and lifestyle. Presenters are registered nurse Suzanne Meyer, registered dietician Jody Kearns, physical therapist Karen Kemmis and physician Roberto Izquierdo. Cross’s presentation ends the evening’s program.

The forum is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association, Excellus Central New York Region, the Joslin Diabetes Center and LifeScan, a Johnson & Johnson Co.