Non-profit helps those with Diabetes
Updated: 12/8/2003 9:56 AM
By: Vernon Fraley & Web Staff (news14 Carolina)Charles Ray III started a non-profit for diabetics.
A Triangle man struggling with his health ended up finding a way to help others just like him.
"I have Diabetes and my wife has Diabetes and we didn't want to see anyone suffer any additional complications as a result of Diabetes because they did not have the resources to purchases these supplies that they need to monitor their blood sugar,” said Charles Ray III.
Charles Ray III started his non-profit organization, The Charles Ray III Diabetes Association, because of his bout with Diabetes. He's seen his wife go blind because of the disease and a lack of supplies needed to treat it. So he did something about it.
"We got started back in 1998,” Ray said. “I didn't think there was enough being done to provide free supplies to diabetics. And we started out helping people with Diabetes in the Triangle and it ventured out to those across the country.”
Clara Scarborough is one such person. Her condition requires her to check her blood several times a day as well as taking oral medication and insulin shots.
"With Diabetes, the supplies are so expensive and when you don't have health insurance it can really be a burden,” Scarborough said. “So I contacted Mr. Ray and he supplied me with those supplies that I needed.”
Those supplies range from testing strips, glucose monitors, insulin, and even insulin pumps that can cost anywhere between $4500 and $6000. The Charles Ray III Diabetes Association tries to cover it all for sufferers who can't. It's the difference between having the medicine you need and choosing between medications you can't afford.
"It was easy for me to get the insulin when I could get some supplies from him,” Scarborough continued.
And just like any other non profit group, he's able to help others when the public pitches in.