The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Diabetes Association received a boost in support last month with the creation of a new charity fund.

In honour of her diabetic father George Glynatsis, who died last month, young musician and entrepreneur Margaret “Believe” Glynatsis, established a charity fund for the Bahamas Diabetes Association (BDA).

“My dad had to constantly test himself and watch what he ate and it really makes you change your life and your whole schedule. If you don’t have the funds to get the medication and the appropriate things you need that is a problem and if you’re not educated on it, that could also be a problem because you don’t know the right things to do. I definitely saw a huge change in my daddy because it takes a toll on your body,” said Margaret.

With much emphasis placed on cancer awareness and HIV, Margaret said the diabetes association is often forgotten.

Margaret along with her mother, asked persons for donations to be made to the fund in lieu of wreaths or flowers for her father’s funeral, which was held yesterday.

“My dad and my mom were very involved in projects and six months ago my father was diagnosed with diabetes. He wanted to be more involved in charity work when it came to diabetes, so instead of the regular flowers or wreaths for the funeral service, we asked for everyone to, if they can, donate to the association,” Margaret told Tribune Health.

She knows her father would have wanted to get more involved, and since he won’t have the opportunity, she said she looks forward to carrying forward the mission.

In getting more people involved, Margaret said everything takes marketing, and this is where she would like to come in.

“I would like to assert myself because I do have a marketing company where we do videos and graphics and stuff like that I would really like to assist them in making them more visible and just getting the word out there because I am sure there are a lot of people that want to help,” she said.

Mr Thurston said Margaret’s contribution would be the first time in a long time where someone has reached out to the organisation in such a way.

“The Bahamas Diabetic Association would like to send its condolences to the Glynatsis family in their hour of bereavement. The association would also like to express its gratitude to the family for this extraordinary and much needed gesture,” said Mr Thurston.

He also noted the fact that a lot of people in the Bahamas suffering from diabetes may sometimes be unable to afford the services that the association provides, which is devastating. Mr Thurston said this may also be the reason why the association’s office on East Street North has been vandalized often.

“This is as bad as it gets when the young persons in any country are relegated to breaking in and vandalizing an organization that helps so many,” he said.

This is one of the main reasons why the association is searching for a new home, in a better neighbourhood, and one that attracts persons in need, said Mr Thurston.