Tony Winner Ben Vereen Becomes Patient Ambassador for Diabetes Care

Novo Nordisk, a world leader in diabetes care, today announced new partnerships with Tony Award -winning actor and entertainer Ben Vereen and Academy of Country Music nominee RaeLynn, who both have joined its Patient Ambassador Education Program.

Legendary actor, singer and dancer Ben Vereen is well known for his roles in Broadway productions including "Pippin," "Sweet Charity," "Fosse," "Hair," "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Jelly's Last Jam," in addition to his iconic role as 'Chicken George' in the television series "Roots." Vereen, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007, has continued to perform since his diagnosis, with appearances on popular television shows including "Hot in Cleveland," "Grey's Anatomy," "How I Met Your Mother" and "NCIS." In 2014, Ben Starred in the feature films "Time Out of Mind" with Richard Gere and "Top Five" with Chris Rock. Most recently, it was announced that Vereen will play Dr. Everett Scott in 20th Century Fox's "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," scheduled to air this fall as a two-hour television event. When Ben is not performing or headlining his own one-man show, he educates others on diabetes and speaks about his personal experience living with the condition.

"I am proud to work with Novo Nordisk to help empower others living with diabetes and let them know that diabetes does not have to hold you back," said Ben Vereen. "As an entertainer, motivational speaker and an activist, I want to raise awareness of diabetes and encourage others to support one another."

Since appearing on the hit NBC television show "The Voice"in 2012, RaeLynn has climbed the country music charts with her debut, gold-certified single "God Made Girls," garnering her multiple industry award nominations including two CMT MUSIC AWARDS for Female Video of the Year and BREAKTHROUGH Video of the Year along with a 2016 nod at the Radio Disney Awards for Favorite Country Song. The dynamic entertainer has also toured with some of country music's biggest stars including Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Blake Shelton. The singer and songwriter, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12, is passionate about empowering others through sharing her own story. RaeLynn is grateful her condition has taught her how to live a healthy lifestyle and hopes to be an inspiration to people with diabetes everywhere.

"I am so excited to partner with Novo Nordisk to show others that successful diabetes management can be integrated into daily life," said RaeLynn. "I plan to use my role as a diabetes patient ambassador to teach people with diabetes that it shouldn't hinder them from following their dreams. I am living proof that this can happen."

The Novo Nordisk Patient Ambassador Education Program includes influential individuals who share their personal diabetes stories in the hope of encouraging, motivating and providing support to others. They are deeply involved in the diabetes community. Both RaeLynn and Ben will actively participate in various community and educational events throughout the country on behalf of Novo Nordisk to educate and empower patients.

"Novo Nordisk is dedicated to providing resources and support through the Patient Ambassador Education Program, as we believe patients and their experiences are at the center of all we do," said Camille Lee, Senior Vice President, Diabetes Marketing, Novo Nordisk Inc. "We are thrilled that RaeLynn and Ben have joined our Patient Ambassador team and look forward to seeing the impact they will make on the diabetes community."

Novo Nordisk encourages others to share their diabetes story, as the company believes it is important to know and tell the stories of real people who use its products every day. Please visit www.ShareMyDiabetesStory.com to share your own story. For more information on how to manage your diabetes, Novo Nordisk offers Cornerstones4Care , an online resource that provides personalized support to help people reach their diabetes management goals, with access to resources, tools and information as well as individually tailored programs. Please visit www.Cornerstones4Care.com to learn more and gain free, unlimited access to the tools.

About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people with other serious chronic conditions: hemophilia, growth disorders and obesity. With U.S. headquarters inPlainsboro, N.J., Novo Nordisk Inc. has more than 5,000 employees inthe United States. For more information, visit novonordisk.us or follow us on Twitter: @novonordiskus.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski

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