Dreamfields Pasta Announces Winners of the
"Diabetes Friends Forever" Contest

Mary Beth Frampton and her sister Kathryn may live 1,700 miles apart, Tulsa, Okla. and Portland, Maine, but their unique long-distance bond has just brought them closer -- both emotionally and financially.

Since Mary Beth's recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, she has received reassurance, support and guidance from an expert -- her sister, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 10 years ago. "She taught me to let the challenge become the opportunity. Use your diabetes diagnosis as an opportunity to be healthy and to do things you meant to do before."

Eternally grateful for the support, Mary Beth entered Dreamfields Pasta's Diabetes Friends Forever (DFF) contest as a way to thank her sister and share their story with the world. Her compelling entry beat out more than 700 others to win the Grand Prize; they each take home $5,000 and a case of Dreamfields Angel Hair pasta. What will they do with their winnings? "We might use the cash prize to fly Kathryn to Oklahoma so that we can get a picture of the two of us together after all these years!"

Over the past 13 weeks, people living with diabetes submitted more than 700 heartwarming stories nominating their "DFF." Whether nominating a family member or loved one, a school nurse or jogging buddy, entries poured in from across the country to honor these personal heroes.

Each week of the contest, the author of a winning entry and his/her DFF were awarded a case of Dreamfields pasta and featured on the contest website. All entries were judged for compassion (70%) and creativity (30%) by a panel of judges.

"Dreamfields Pasta would like to salute each and every DFF nominated in this first-of-its-kind contest," said Dreamfields president Mike Crowley. "The level of support, commitment and resourcefulness that DFFs provide on a daily basis exceeded our expectations, and we're thrilled to be able to recognize and reward their efforts."

Additionally, four First Prize nominators and their DFFs each win $1,000 and a case of Dreamfields pasta.

• James McCollough of Springfield, Mo., nominated his friend of nearly 30 years, Josh Lankford. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around the same time, the two friends have leaned on each other for support and guidance. "Josh is like a brother to me and I'm thankful for his tough love to help me get off medication completely," says James.
• Rachel Garlinghouse from Collinsville, Ill. nominated Michelle Preston, a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian at the Diabetes Institute at Christian North East Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. Rachel learned of the contest when Michelle e-mailed her a link to the contest site. Little did Michelle know, Rachel decided to nominate her! "The best thing a DFF can do is encourage you. My type 1 diabetes is constant -- it's 24/7 -- so I need to stay motivated," said Rachel. "Michelle encouraged me to stay on top of my diabetes management by sticking with a healthy diet."
• Vicki Hannah from Brunswick, Ohio, nominated her daughter's school nurse, Lisa Werner, who eased Vicki's anxiety about leaving her newly-diagnosed daughter at school. "Lisa is a wonderful DFF who is always there to listen, offer support and advice! She made testing at school a fun thing to do by setting up a reward system for my daughter."
• When Andy Levy from Woodinville, Wash., found out his daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, he turned to his DFF Barbara, who also has a daughter with type 1. "...with grace and patience, Barbara takes the time to give me guidance and to share her knowledge and time to help so many others."

Dreamfields is opening up voting to the public to award one additional winner and DFF. Visit www.diabetesfriendsforever.com to vote on the five finalists for People's Choice. The nominator and their DFF will each receive $1,000 and a case of Dreamfields pasta. Voting ends at midnight on Sunday, May 30.

About Dreamfields Pasta
Dreamfields puts pasta back on the menu for people with diabetes. With only 5 grams of digestible carbs per serving, 5 grams of fiber per serving, and the wonderful taste of traditional pasta, Dreamfields is sure to be a hit with the whole family. www.dreamfieldsfoods.com.