The Circle of Life Camp Board of Directors

John E. Durante, President

A resident of White Plains, NY, John is an attorney as well as successful real estate investor and business owner in the New York Metropolitan Area. In 2003, he became the youngest recipient to receive the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an award sanctioned by both Congress and the US Senate, for living the life of an exemplary American - hard working, priding himself on self-improvement, and caring for others. John has been involved in fundraising as well as volunteering at the camp now over four years. His business knowledge and compassion for children makes him an integral part of the success of the organization.

Ed Vogt, Vice-President

A resident of Latham, NY, Ed has committed himself to improving the lives of children with diabetes since Anthony John Latorre, a child he mentored, died from Type 1 diabetes at the age of 25. He has been an active board member of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International since 1999. In this role, he has led letter-writing campaigns to raise money for the JDFI and for legislation in New York to enact funds for research and education. For the past seven years, he has served as the Circle of Life Camp/ Albany Medical Center Christmas Toy Chairman. He has single-handedly collected over $10,000 worth of toys each year from local businesses to distribute to hundreds of children with diabetes at the annual Diabetes Christmas Party. His dedication to children with diabetes and the Circle of Life Center make him pivotal in our expansion.

Danielle Unser, Board of Directors Secretary

A resident of Albany, NY Danielle has had diabetes for over 15 years. Since her diagnosis, she has been involved in support groups, fundraising, and educational activities helping others suffering with the disease. She has been a volunteer of the Circle of Life Camp since its inception as a head counselor and member of our fundraising committees. In 2000, she was honored nationally with the Spirit of Women award for her community service. She is now the New York City Territory Manager for the Animas Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company. Danielle's personal commitment in helping others with the disease and her experience in developing the organization since its founding, make her strategic to the planning of and expansion into The Circle of Life Center.

Philip Walsh, Treasurer

A resident of Clifton Park, NY, Phil is the Step-Father of twin girls one of which was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 10. She was a camper for 6 years and has gone on to become a camp counselor. Phil and his wife, Mary, have supported the Circle of Life Camp since 1996. Phil works for a local bank and is their Facilities Management Officer and Assistant Security Officer. His knowledge of facility procurement, municipality approval and construction, along with physical building security will be useful in fulfilling our dream of a Circle of life Center.

Members of the Board:

Kevin Boyd
Kathi Davis, RN, CDE
Cheryl Clow, RN, CDE
Elizabeth McAuliffe
Ed Unser
Diana Taylor
Michelle Unser
Gale Degner