Annalise Mozer Takes on a Challenge
Annalise Mozer isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and take on a challenge. She's a youth ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and an active one at that. She hasn't even started eighth grade yet, but she's already performed more charity work than some people do in a lifetime.
Ms. Mozer is on a mission to promote awareness about diabetes and raise funds to combat it. She has a dream that one day researchers will find a cure for the disease. If her energy and determination offers any indication, that happy day is coming.
At JDRF's annual spring gala at Oheka Castle, Ms. Mozer was a member of a violin performance group that entertained the crowd. The violin group was even listed as a live auction item and a bidder helped pad the event's proceeds.
Along with her friends, Ms. Mozer helped spearhead an in-school fundraiser at Finley last month. The students sold special wristbands and asked classmates to wear blue to demonstrate their support for the cause of diabetes research. Public service announcement were read each morning to help educate students and teachers about diabetes, including facts and myths about the disease and its symptoms. The initiative reached its goal of raising $750 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
"The Diabetes Divas for the Cure" organizing group made posters and t-shirts, sold "2 Sweet 4 Sugar/Cure Diabetes" wristbands, created a diabetes warning signs "rap" and released diabetes-blue balloons in front of the school with Finley Principal John Amato, guidance counselor Cathy Cain and Executive Director of the L.I. Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Barbara Rogus encouraging them every step of the way.
FIOS 1 – Long Island News was on hand to record the events for the channel's Push Pause series. The segment ran periodically on-the-air for two weeks and will continue to be available for viewing on the station's website.
Along with the sale of wristbands, Ms. Mozer participated in the creation of a related website, www.2sweet4sugar.webs.com specially developed for young people. "The website tells about an 
extended campaign called 'Wristbands Around The World For Diabetes,'" said Liz Mozer, Annalise's proud mother.
When a cure for diabetes is finally found, Ms. Mozer will be able to smile and know she and her fellow divas played a role in making it possible.