AUGUSTA – Lewiston resident David Gervais will be recognized by the members of the Senate and House of Representatives on Jan. 15 because of his tireless volunteer work, most notably for the American Diabetes Association.

Gervais, also known as Top Dollar Dave, has raised more than $80,000 for the American Diabetes Association over the past eight years.

“Mr. Gervais’ unwavering commitment is what drives our success and enables us to champion the fight and make progress towards a cure,” said Chris Boynton, executive director of the American Diabetes Association. “The association depends on volunteer’s compassion, creativity and dedication to help us achieve our mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.”

Currently, 20.8 million American children and adults, 7 percent of the population, have diabetes, an increase from 18.2 million in 2003. Nearly one-third do not know they have the disease. Another 54 million Americans have “pre-diabetes,” meaning their blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes, putting them at high risk of developing the disease.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. The association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, visit www.diabetes.org or call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES.