(March 16, 2007) – North Kansas City Hospital diabetes expert Mary Beth Fisher is the first recipient of the Commitment Award, a prestigious honor bestowed on her by the Greater Kansas City American Diabetes Association. The group recently created three new awards called Cure, Care and Commitment. "I am honored, humbled and appreciative of receiving this award," says Fisher. "The lives of people with diabetes has improved through the initiatives of the ADA, and the organization has provided an avenue where I can make a difference and for that I am grateful."

Fisher, the Hospital’s adult nurse practitioner and certified diabetes educator, received the Commitment Award for her dedication to people with diabetes. She helps organize and lead many diabetes initiatives, such as the Hospital’s team in the annual Walk for Diabetes, the top fund-raising team for several years, coordinates the Hospital’s Living with Diabetes outpatient program and also the support group, serves as an active member with local and national diabetes organizations, and assists with planning the local Patient and Family Education seminar.