Foundation honors Cynthia Levans

In 2010, local businessman Mark Levans lost his wife Cynthia to complications from diabetes. To honor her memory, he has established the Mark and Cynthia Levans Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
"Cyndy always felt that Type One Juvenile Diabetes was misunderstood by the general public while emphasis mostly focuses on Type II, especially due to our modern lifestyles," Mark Levans said.

Unlike Type II, Type 1 diabetes is not caused by obesity and lifestyle choices. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. The physical and mental stress of the disease causes lifelong challenges to the individual, and family members.

"Many complications will arise, as they did with Cyndy," Levans said. "She struggled every day since she was diagnosed. Our entire family was impacted as well. But through it all, Cyndy never failed to amaze everyone with her fortitude, strength and undeniable love for her family and friends. She was strong-willed and fought a victorious battle. Reserved and respected, Cyndy's spirit and personality will make her legacy live on."

Jodie Reinbolt, administrator of Tiffin Charitable, said the fund has been months in the making.

"This is the first fund ever created at the Tiffin Charitable Foundation to benefit diabetes patients," she said.

Type 1 diabetes, is on the rise. Although great strides have been made toward a medical solution, the cost remains high for Type 1 patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Treatments for complications due to diabetes (i.e. kidney failure, heart and circulatory disease and blindness) can inflict financial hardships. Mark said Cyndy also dealt with emotional stress.

"Oftentimes, she felt a void in her life because she had to deal with this disease, that she was a lesser person, when in fact, she was the strongest, kindest person who touched many lives," Mark said.

The Cynthia & Mark Levans Type One Juvenile Diabetes Fund of The Tiffin Charitable Foundation has been formed in honor of Cyndy to help individuals and families in need of financial assistance. The United Way of Tiffin will administer the fund. To qualify for funding, these criteria must be met:

1. Individuals under the age of 23 and without health insurance for Type 1 Diabetes.

2. Anyone in the "immediate" family who needs help with insulin, insulin pumps and associated supplies, blood testing equipment and consumable and limited travel expenses to and from doctor and hospital visits or stays.

3. Must live in Seneca County.

4. Must show proof of financial need.

Requests are to be made to Tiffin-Seneca United Way, attention: Pat DeMonte.

Anyone interested in contributing to the fund may contact Tiffin Charitable Foundation, 68 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883.