May is National Mobility, Vasculitis and Foster Care Awareness Month - Dr. Diane Dike Definitely Has All Three Covered

Eagle, CO, May 06, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Diane Dike, who has the only foster home available in Eagle County for children to heal from trauma, has been nominated a "Local Hero for National Mobility Awareness Month."

A local hero is defined as someone who will Volunteer, Educate, Advocate, Achieve and Persevere. Diane does all that and more, volunteering 24/7.

Diane says “I even work in my sleep. The other day I woke up laughing about a banner for our Dr. Diane Dike Radio Show that I was designing, in my sleep.”

Diane educates, equips, encourages and achieves in spite of a painful blood disease that she has suffered with for over 23 years. She founded the world’s first Cryoglobulinemia Vasculitis Organization (CVO).

CVO's mission is to champion advocacy programs regarding the care, treatment, research, diagnosis and the use of service dogs for those suffering from cryoglobulinemia and associated conditions. CVO educates patients, healthcare professionals and the public to bring about greater awareness and to help provide support to patients, their families, and those who love them.

Diane is regularly featured on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Mystery Diagnosis TV show in an episode called, "The Women Whose Legs Turned Black." Diane’s legs were almost amputated when they turned black, but a miracle occurred. Her legs returned to normal size and color, however due to the resulting damage and permanent need to keep her extremities safe, she has to use a wheelchair which keeps her legs elevated.

Diane is unable to drive herself until she has a vehicle that has been modified with hand controls. “It was such a blessing to be nominated in the contest, it is a BIG goal for me personally as well as for our outreach work. The van will be used for our nonprofit speaking events to raise awareness, to run the foster/adoption children to school, counseling and events, and so much more!"

The CVO team released an inspiring and educational video today called, Vasculitis Awareness: A Cryoglobulinemia Story. It features a little of Diane’s incredible story and support from patients, caregivers, family and friends from around the world.

Diane needs your help because she was nominated late and only has until May 10 to get votes in. Voting is open to the public, with at least three vehicles awarded to the Local Hero Winners.

Over 18 million people in North America are living with restrictive mobility issues. This is your chance to change Diane’s life and give her the opportunity to help more children in need. You can make a difference, just like Diane who is triumphing in the face of adversity.

Laurie Thomas nominated Diane by submitting one of her YouTube videos. Laurie is inspired to volunteer for Diane’s nonprofit organizations Second Chance with Saving Grace (SCwSG) and the CVO. “Diane isn’t just a local hero, she is an international hero,” says Laurie choking back the tears. “It’s amazing how she overcomes the challenges of living with disability and still helps people who are hurting, broken animals and children in need. I want to encourage everyone to vote for Diane, she is truly deserving to win a van.”

Voting closes on May 10, 2013 at midnight. Your vote Can help. You are allowed one vote per IP address daily and if you answer the question of the day correctly you get to earn 2 points. Diane is way behind in votes, but with a little help from her friends, she can win.