Sometimes, out of life’s most trying difficulties grow miracles. Nobody knows that better than Cleveland’s own Robert Munz family. This past week, Bob Munz passed away from complications from a lifelong struggle with type I diabetes. The day before he died, his daughter, Olympic gold medalist Diana Munz, visited the office of the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland (DAGC), on his behalf.
He and Diana, along with Diana’s long-time coach Jerry Holtrey, have been serving as volunteer champions for DAGC’s Swim for Diabetes, a regional May event to raise funds to support diabetes awareness, education and support services. Bob was concerned that the message about the seriousness of the disease was not coming through strong enough. He wanted Diana to tell DAGC staff not to be afraid to tell people about the damaging effects of this deadly disease, hoping those most impacted will hear the message more clearly and have a better chance of connecting with diabetes prevention and management services.
Ironically, Diana arrived at DAGC that day, unplanned, while the staff was discussing this very topic. When she shared her dad’s concern, we all looked at each other in disbelief over the irony and timing of her visit. This was not a coincidence, everyone said – it was somehow meant to be. The next morning we received a heart-breaking e-mail from Diana: her father had unexpectedly passed away. How would you choose to spend your last day? Bob Munz chose well. He shared his dream of candor about the disease that ultimately took his life in the hopes that he could change humanity for the better. In his honor, the 2010 Swim for Diabetes will be dedicated to Bob Munz. We hope others will honor his memory by joining our cause.
Helen M. Dumski, MA, RD, LD
President & CEO
Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland
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