Community Honorees - Tom & Nancy McManus
Tom and Nancy McManus have worked in acute care hospitals as Respiratory Therapists since the mid 1970’s. They had a son Scott in 1981 and a daughter Kathleen (Kat) in 1984. In 1992 when Scott was diagnosed with type one diabetes (T1D), they began to navigate a whole different field in medicine in order to learn the challenges of managing the disease.

In July of 2000, Scott passed away from complications of getting ill, being dehydrated, and having T1D. Two months later, they found a brochure for the local “JDF Walk to Cure Diabetes”. This was their initial contact with JDRF and it was at this point that they decided to become active in the JDRF Hudson Valley Branch. Tom and Nancy participated in their first Walk that fall, attended their first Hope Gala in 2001 alongside family, and participated in their first “Ride to Cure Diabetes” in Death Valley, CA in 2003. Click here to read more.


Corporate Honoree - George Banta, Jr.
George Banta, Jr has been living with type 1 diabetes for 33 years. Thanks to the remarkable care & education he received by Dr. Arron Blum upon being diagnosed, he learned early on how to mange the disease and care for himself while living a fulfilling life. A natural athlete, George's love for tennis and racquet sports further helped him manage his blood sugar levels while pursing his passions. It was a symbiotic relationship that fueled him to play Varsity Soccer, Squash and Tennis at Hotchkiss and ultimately both varsity Squash and Tennis at Cornell University. After graduation, George worked on Wall Street in New York City before returning the Hudson Valley to work for his Poughkeepsie-based family business. Since living "back home," the development of the Insulin Pump has only enhanced his wellbeing. George and his wife, Danielle, are encouraged by the treatability of T1D and the medical advancements that are happening. Click here to read more.