With our founder's philosophy and guiding principles, Dismas Charities has continually fostered the concept of wellness with staff, clients, and their families. Our motto of Healing the Human Spirit emphasizes our holistic approach to mind, body, and spirit.

A large part of why Dismas places emphasis on wellness can be found in research statistics which show that more Americans are becoming overweight than ever before and that without physical activity and appropriate nutrition, the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes is drastically heightened. Dismas recognizes this fact and by expanding its existing Wellness Initiative has taken definitive steps toward impacting its staff and clients.

For example, through its own research, Dismas has determined that Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans, all of which make up the majority of Dismas staff nationwide. While all diabetes-related problems are serious, heart disease and stroke are leading causes of premature death among those with diabetes. In fact, two out of three people with diabetes who fail to watch their diet and exercise will suffer a fatal heart attack or stroke, studies show. Untreated, the disease can eventually lead to amputation of limbs. Dismas' goal is to reduce or eliminate those alarming numbers.

Ten years ago the Most Reverend Edmund Carmody, Bishop of the Corpus Christi (TX) Diocese, said that the most pressing problem for the Diocese was diabetes and emphatically stated that Corpus Christi is “the amputee capital” of the United States. The Bishop went on to explain that in the Hispanic community poor diet, lack of exercise, and lack of awareness of the disease has made the population more vulnerable.

At about the same time, Dismas Charities was fortunate to meet 55-year-old Jesse Sturgeon, a person who lives a healthy lifestyle with diabetes. However, his family history painted a relatively bleak picture. His mother and many aunts and uncles had suffered from the disease. Most of them lost limbs before they died. Like much of the population, Jesse's relatives did not know that they did not have to die from this disease, but that through exercise, eating well, and making informed choices, they could have survived.

Jesse has dedicated himself to spreading the news, both in word and deed, about the importance of good nutrition, exercise, and making good choices. For example, Jesse and Dismas Charities staff frequently visit local schools and share the message that they are in charge of their lives, that they can control their blood sugar levels and to heighten their awareness and provide guidance. Through Dismas, Jesse and Dismas are providing the children with simple exercise items, such as a jump rope, hula hoop, pedometer and ball to motivate them to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

What underscores Sturgeon's proof that his altered lifestyle works can be found in his unusually successful athletic career. Sturgeon is recognized as one of the nation's finest Master-level marathon runners, having lead Team Dismas to victory in the 2002 Beach to Bay Relay marathon, in Corpus Christi. Their record-setting victory was the first ever for any Master's Division team and was the 21st time Sturgeon had won the event. After winning the race, Sturgeon and Dismas Charities staff visited several elementary schools in Corpus Christi to talk to the children about diabetes and the need to exercise and eat well. They also established running clinics and gave away running shoes, T-shirts, and other sports-related items as motivation.

Sturgeon has continued running and today he is managing his diabetes strictly with exercise – he usually runs 10 miles daily - and making the right choices regarding food. This Hispanic man is truly a magnetic role model for the Hispanic community and for all persons with diabetes. He is also a good role model for seniors. At 55, Sturgeon is 5'8”, weighs 137 pounds, and has a resting pulse rate of 32 beats per minute. His chest is 36 inches, and his waistline is 26 inches. And he only has 3% body fat.

One location of particular interest to Sturgeon and Dismas is the latter's Corpus Christi facility where, given its ethnicity, 78% of the clients and 86% of the staff have the propensity to develop diabetes.

As the initiative continues to develop, Dismas will renew its commitment to the community and work with local schools to influence young people by sharing the message that they are in charge of their lives.

Dismas Charities plans to expand its Wellness Initiative nationwide to all its facilities.

For more information about the Dismas Charities Wellness Initiative, please contact dfreaney@dismas.com or write to: