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WHEATFIELD, N.Y. – Drive Against Diabetes has announced its debut and fund-raising campaign to raise awareness of juvenile (type 1) diabetes. The campaign includes a cross-country tour featuring Sgt. Craig Schultz, a New York state corrections officer, driving a Cat Skid Steer Loader more than 4,000 miles from New York to Los Angeles. Proceeds from the campaign will be awarded to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF).
The diabetes drive kicked off Sept. 1 from New York City and continue until Schultz reaches Los Angeles. The route, spanning approximately 4,000 miles, will take Schultz through several metropolitan areas including Cleveland, Ohio; Indianapolis, Ind.; St. Louis, Mo.; Kansas City, Denver, Colo.; Flagstaff, Ariz.; Las Vegas, Nev.; and Palm Springs, Calif.. A comprehensive listing of towns and cities along the route can be found on the Drive Against Diabetes Web site.
Drive Against Diabetes supporters also can track Schultz’s progress via the Caterpillar Web site.
Schultz’s father, Harold, was an insulin-dependent diabetic who eventually died as a result of the disease.
“My father’s passing was particularly difficult for me and my family,” Schultz recalls. “Although I’ve been active in my community and volunteered my time for JDRF, I always had this feeling in my heart that I could do more. Now with the support of generous organizations such as Caterpillar and its dealer network, I now have the opportunity to make a greater contribution and aid in the fight of this devastating disease.”
Prior to beginning his career as a corrections officer, Schultz owned a landscaping business. During his years in the green industry, he quickly became skilled with a skid steer.
“My father purchased my first skid steer for me,” Schultz shares. “While conceptualizing the idea for the Drive Against Diabetes, I thought of how I’ve used my skid steer to help others in the community. Taking my contributions a step further, I thought what better way to honor my father and help those with juvenile diabetes by driving a Cat Skid Steer cross-country to raise money for research.”
Schultz will be driving a Cat 236 Skid Steer Loader donated by Caterpillar and Syracuse Supply Company in Syracuse, N.Y.
“At Caterpillar, we strive to contribute toward a global environment in which all people can work safely and live healthy productive lives, now and in the future,” notes Glen Barton, chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. “We are a proud supporter of the Drive Against Diabetes and its positive effort to eradicate a disease that poses significant long-tem health issues.”