Toby Petersen and the Penguins Join Forces to Fight Diabetes

January 27, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - Toby Petersen and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have teamed up to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International (JDFI) by auctioning off some of the center's game-used equipment, including a pair of autographed skates that he wore last season in Pittsburgh, game-worn gloves and pants, a game-used stick and an autographed 8x10 photo.

When Petersen was five-years old, he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, a disease that strikes children and makes them insulin dependent for life.

Petersen, who played last season with the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, has refused to let the disease keep him from realizing his dream of playing professional hockey. Now he wants to pass that message on to others suffering from this disease.

"(Diabetes) definitely changed my life," Petersen said, "but it hasn't controlled it. I try not to let it get the better of me."

The auction, which is being held at www.wbspenguins.com through January 31, will also include two tickets to an upcoming Penguins game and other items signed and donated by members of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton organization.

"It's obviously a personal cause for me, because I am diabetic," Petersen said. "I have seen what the disease can do when it runs its course.

"I am trying to do everything I can to put a stop to it or at least get as much funds for the research as possible," he added. "Even if they don't find a cure, just find ways to make life better for those people who are inflicted with diabetes."

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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