G. Michael Padgett

The Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFCU) – 2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes Host Sponsor

The Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFCU) is a member-owned cooperative established in 1936 to serve the financial needs of the sworn and civilian employees of the Los Angeles Police Department and their families. LAPFCU has been walking at the Walk to Cure Diabetes for five years and raised more than $30,000. JDRF is honored to have this prestigious organization (voted one of California’s Best Places to work!) lead our Walk efforts this year!

G. Michael Padgett – 2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes Walk Chair

G. Michael Padgett, president/CEO, Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFCU) is responsible for operations and administration of the 42,900 member organization that addresses the savings and lending needs of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) community. He encourages a culture of philanthropy at the organization and has strongly supported LAPFCU’s partnership with JDRF since inception. Mr. Padgett is sharing responsibilities as the 2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes co-chair with colleague Norma Feder-Dong.

Norma Feder-Dong – 2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes Chair

Norma Feder-Dong is vice president of Human Resources/Support Services with Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union, a financial services provider that addresses the needs of the Los Angeles Police family. Ms. Feder-Dong’s commitment to JDRF has been unmatched over the last five years and she continues to drive LAPFCU’s participation in the Walk to Cure Diabetes. We are honored that Ms. Feder-Dong will be serving as 2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes co-chair.

Ken Chase – 2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes Family Team Chair

Ken Chase is serving his second term as chair of the Family Team Coaching Committee. Ken, his wife, Debbie, and daughters, Larissa and Janessa, are dedicated JDRF volunteers – volunteering at both Agoura Hills and LA Walks, the Gala and Outreach events. Ken and members of his Family Walk Team, The Cure Chasers, walk on behalf of Janessa and have been walking with JDRF for five years! Janessa represented the Los Angeles Chapter in 2005 at Children’s Congress as a delegate. Ken did an outstanding job leading the Family Team Coaching Committee and is geared up to do it again for our most successful year yet!

Liza Wohlberg – 2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes Youth Ambassador

Liza Wohlberg is a 14-year-old freshman at Harvard Westlake. Some of her favorite things to do outside of school are dance, reading, writing and singing – and she can always count on having a good time with younger sister, Talia, dog, Bella, or her lizard, Ranger. Being a youth ambassador is important to Liza because she wants to encourage other kids to have a positive outlook on living with diabetes. Dealing with diabetes is a challenge, but it also in many ways has offered blessings in disguise; her first experiences at sleep-away camp, her first experience public speaking, and the chance to meet many new friends. As a result, Liza has become more self-confident and self-sufficient. When first diagnosed at age seven, she didn’t want anyone in her second grade class to know, and she feels her experiences adjusting to diabetes will help her connect with kids in similar situations. Her Walk team, Liza’s Leaping Lizards, inspires her daily (Liza even sleeps in her team shirt every night!). It is a constant reminder that we are always moving forward in research and in life with diabetes. JDRF motivates Liza to work toward a cure, and she wants to take that motivation to help instill it in others. Liza ultimately wants to be part of a cure for juvenile diabetes!

Michelle Smolarski – 2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes Youth Ambassador

Michelle Smolarski is a 15-year-old high school student. In her spare time, she plays on a girl’s lacrosse team and loves spending time with her friends. She also enjoys dance, drama, writing and cooking. Michelle has a great eye with the camera and helps lead her high school’s photography club. Some of her photos were featured in an art show! Michelle has had diabetes since age four and has always been the “captain of her diabetes.” She sees her disease as an opportunity to educate and inspire others. She helped create an interactive diabetes station at her school’s Ability Awareness Fair. This gave other students the opportunity to learn what it feels like to have diabetes. Michelle has participated in many walks and raised money to find the cure, which she knows will come one day soon. She is looking forward to giving her unique perspective in being a youth ambassador for the Walk this year!

Save These Dates!

2009 Walks to Cure Diabetes