AJ McLean launches JNN Foundation in support of JDF and VH1 Save the Music
Source: http://backstreetm.cjb.net
Approximately 150 fans came out to the Hard Rock Live in Orlando, FL on May 24th to support the launch of the JNN Foundation. The organization, founded by Backstreet Boy AJ McLean in honor of his alter-ego Johnny NoName (JNN), will focus on raising awareness and funds for both VH1 Save the Music Foundation1 and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Mr. McLean stated, "The JNN Foundation gives me a chance to use my celebrity status to give back." Joining McLean on stage were his mother, Denise McLean, Bob Morrison from VH1 Save the Music Foundation, and Jackie Singer from the JDRF.
The press conference began with some opening remarks from Ms. McLean, who shared the history of Johnny NoName and how he came to be associated with Save the Music and JDRF. The JDRF is special to the McLeans for some very personal reasons. Several members of their family, including AJ's maternal grandfather, maternal uncles and even his dog, were diagnosed with diabetes and have been living with the disease for many years. In a time when much focus is placed on AIDS and cancer research, AJ wants to remind everyone that diabetes, too, can be a killer.
"Type II diabetes can be fatal and I want to do whatever I can to raise awareness of this disease," says McLean.
15.7 million people (5.9% of the US population) currently have diabetes, and an additional 798,000 will be diagnosed this year. It is the seventh leading cause of death in this country.
McLean specifically chose to support the JDRF because more research needs to be done to allow children every possible opportunity to live normal, healthy lives. He will appear in several Public Service Announcements on behalf of the JDRF to help raise this awareness to a national level.
McLean, under the Johnny NoName moniker, has also been associated with VH1 Save the Music for over three years, according to Morrison. School music programs heavily influenced McLean during his formative years. As current budget cuts are taking more and more of the arts out of public schools, McLean became determined to help other young people experience the opportunities that were so important in shaping his musical career.
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