Splenda Awards $2,500 to 8 New Families in Honor of Silver Jubilee
August 8, 2024
Stories of Resilience and Positivity Reinforce Splenda’s Commitment to the Diabetes Community
CARMEL, IN – August 8, 2024 –
Celebrating 25 years of sweetening lives, Splenda proudly announces the latest recipients of the “25 Families for 25 Years” campaign, awarding eight new families $2,500 to support their health journey with diabetes. For over two decades, Splenda has made it easier than ever for people to reduce and manage their sugar intake and live happier and healthier lives without sacrificing taste. To express their gratitude for the decades of support, Splenda’s donation in honor of its silver jubilee will assist with medical and home expenses, alleviating everyday pressures and supporting recipients through life’s sweetest moments.
Recipients of Splenda’s most recent round of honorees include:
- Mia Alcorn (Indianapolis, IN) – Mother to 12-year-old Ka’Leon, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes after a diabetic coma. Mia manages his diagnosis while caring for her other children. Ka’Leon will receive a pump to monitor his blood sugar more efficiently.
- Susan Blackwell (Chicago, IL) – Managing diabetes for 15 years, while also suffering from three strokes and two heart attacks. She takes numerous amounts of medications per day to manage her health but keeps a positive attitude.
- Julianne Burchuk (Chicago, IL) – Known as Jules, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at three, right as the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Splenda teamed up with Dave & Buster’s to throw her an eighth birthday bash.
- Susan Depner (Chicago, IL) – After battling pancreatic cancer and receiving a late-in-life Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Susan enjoys walking and baking with Splenda around the holidays.
- Stacey Grantham (Tampa, FL) – A part-time nurse managing Type 2 diabetes while caring for her adult son with cerebral palsy.
- Lesley Hammer (Tampa, FL) – Lesley finds comfort in baking with her daughter after losing her husband and mother. She struggles to afford her medications after losing health insurance.
- Juliette McCarey (Tampa, FL) – Nominated by her mother, she manages Type 1 diabetes while playing sports and attending high school. Juliette is preparing to head off to college where she will need to continue to attend routine doctor’s appointments.
- Jessica Phelps (Chicago, IL) – Battling Type 1 diabetes since age nine, Jessica enjoys swimming, going to the gym, and walking the family dog.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to honor these resilient individuals who embody the spirit of Splenda’s mission to make life sweeter and healthier,” said Eddie Pellegrino, President at Heartland Food Products Group. “For over two decades, Splenda has helped people live happier, healthier lives by making it easier to reduce sugar. It’s an honor to make life a little easier for our recipients in celebration of our silver jubilee.”
Splenda will announce more recipients this fall. The brand extends its gratitude to all who have taken the time to submit a nomination and intends to continue its mission to support and empower individuals in their health journeys.
For more information on the campaign and to nominate yourself or another individual please visit, www.Splenda.com/25.
About the Splenda® Brand
Based outside of Indianapolis, Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the production of low-calorie sweetener products, creamers, beverage concentrates, coffee, and nutritional drinks. Heartland is on a mission to help people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easier to reduce sugar through its delicious, low-calorie sweeteners. The Splenda® Brand is the most recognizable and iconic low-calorie sweetener (“LCS”) brand in the world, having sold more than 100 billion yellow packets since its launch in 1991. Today, the Splenda Brand is the clear #1 LCS brand in the USA. Splenda is the name for great tasting, low calorie foods and beverages. Its line features a range of products including low-calorie sweetener products, such as Splenda Stevia Sweeteners and Splenda Monk Fruit Sweeteners, Splenda Coffee Creamers, Splenda Diabetes Care Shakes, Splenda Sweet Teas and more. To learn more, visit Heartland at www.heartlandfpg.com and Splenda at www.splenda.com.
Media Contact:
Samantha Bunes