Voice of the Marksmen Launches “Goals Against Diabetes”

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Diabetes is the third-leading cause of death in the United States, with over 100 million Americans suffering from the disease.

Fayetteville Marksmen Director of Digital Marketing & Media Shawn Bednard has seen how Diabetes can affect an individual and a family. While never having the disease, both his father Walter and sister Ashley were struck with Type 1 diabetes, a battle that his family faces every day.

“While I have been blessed to never had to fight it in myself, I have seen the way it can destroy a person and challenge a family,” said Bednard “My father, Walter Bednard, fought Type 1 diabetes for over 40 years before being blessed with a double-transplant in 2016 for a new pancreas and kidney, after coming close to losing his life multiple times while on Dialysis for nearly four years.”

“My sister Ashley Baxter battles the same disease now, learning how to overcome it the best possible through my Father’s pain,” said Bednard “I promised myself that if I ever was lucky enough to become a professional hockey broadcaster, I would do whatever small part I could to battle against this disease, give back to the community, and show my gratefulness.”

That’s why Bednard, in collaboration and guidance with the American Diabetes Association of the Carolina’s here in National Diabetes Month, has officially launched today the “Goals Against Diabetes” Initiative. For every goal the Marksmen score (and have scored) this season, Bednard will donate $2 back, a dollar for each member of his family who has fought or is fighting.

Diabetes is an ever-growing risk in the Carolina’s, with risk of Type 2 substantially higher than the national average. While the average risk of Type 2 Diabetes is 1 in 11 around the United States, in the Carolina’s the risk is closer to 1 out of every 6.

This is more than a family issue for Bednard; this is a community issue.

“One of my best friends growing up was diagnosed with diabetes just a few years ago, and is still figuring out exactly what that means. Coming here to Fayetteville, I was immediately greeted with the same familiar disease striking the community I now call home. Our Team President, Travis Gortman, has been battling diabetes for a long time,” said Bednard “I know I can’t cure this disease, but I can do my part to fight back against it.”

He does not start this pledge alone. Fayetteville Marksmen Owner/CEO Chuck Norris has promised to match, dollar-for-dollar, Bednard’s contribution to the campaign, in an effort to continue his part in giving back to the Fayetteville community, and showing the Marksmen care.

It is the hope of the entire Marksmen organization, and of Bednard, that the team will light up the lamp this year with “Goals Against Diabetes”, and truly work on and off the ice to Score for a Cure!

With already 29 goals on the year, that’s over $100 towards the pledge from Bednard and the Marksmen.

You too can join in on Bednard and the Marksmen’s pledge, as a donation/pledge service has been organized and set up on PledgeIt.org, with a challenge and goal from Bednard to the fans and to himself of raising over $3000 for the American Diabetes Association of the Carolina’s. To pledge or donate to “Goals Against Diabetes”, click here. To learn more about the ADA – Carolina’s, or to donate directly to the them, please click here.

The Marksmen are back home THIS Friday, November 16 for Margaritaville Night, and Saturday, November 17 for Wizardry Night. Tickets are available now by calling the Marksmen office at (910) 321-0123 or clicking on the dates above!

For more information on the nights, head to our Facebook page and click on the event page.

If you’re interested in partnering up with the Marksmen organization, or hearing about our season ticket packages, group packages, mini-plans, or advertising benefits in-arena or with the broadcast, email Director of Digital Marketing and Media Shawn Bednard, SBednard@MarksmenHockey.com or call the Marksmen Office at (910) 321-0123.

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The Fayetteville Marksmen are owned and operated by Union Pro Hockey Group and play their home games at Crown Coliseum. The Marksmen are a committed community asset, designed to provide premium entertainment to families and individuals in Cumberland County and surrounding areas.