ABOUT IFOLHealth

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The International Festival of Life Health (IFOLHealth) is a division of the International Festival of Life (IFOL), which is dedicated to the eradication of all diseases, especially Cancer, Diabetes, Arthritis, Cardiovascular, Kidney and HIV/AIDS, among other illnesses.  It is presented as part of the International Festival of Life (IFOL), now celebrating its 28th year of bringing nations together, Friday through Sunday, July 3-5, 2020 in Washington Park, 55th Street and South Cottage Grove, Chicago.

The International Festival of Life Health (IFOLHealth) Stage and Pavilion is a critical component of our mission to raise awareness and improve lives among people; especially minority groups, afflicted with chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Arthritic health issues.  The IFOLHA Pavilion will feature a health/education stage, with a mix of gospel and inspirational entertainers.

 

We will be presenting other uplifting presentations by health and medical professionals, personal testimonies and stories of hope by those struggling with cancer and other diseases,  There will also be a forum for all those who have been touched by life altering illnesses.

There will also be health screenings and recommendations for attendees with health

issues.

 

This July 4th Independence/Freedom must have a new meaning!  Independence “Free thy self!” from Cancer, Diabetes, AIDS and other diseases, as victims, families, friends and supporters unite and fight to overcome the diseases that plague the human body.

 

●     There are approximately 26 million children and adults in the United States living with Diabetes (minority ethnic groups at the greatest risk).

          

●     Racial and ethnic minorities accounted for almost 71 percent of the newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection in 2010. In the same year, 84 percent of children born with HIV infection belonged to minority groups.

 

●     African American women were 40 percent more likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic, White women.

 

●     Mexican American children, between the ages 6 and 17, were 60% more likely to be overweight as Non- Hispanic White Children

 

●     There are about 20 million Americans living with Arthritis diseases, including 1.3 million afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Rheumatoid Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among Americans, with minority ethnic groups at the greatest risk.

 

    We cannot continue to go on ignoring these statistics.  We must work together to raise awareness and make healthy choices to fight back against illness, disease, and obesity.``

 

 This Health Awareness Freedom Celebration will feature, what may well be, the world’s longest Cancer, HIV/AIDS and Diabetes line dance, in which all   attendees will be invited to participate. Celebrity health experts will be invited as guest speakers and/or to serve as panelists in health workshops.  The   participation of all medical, hospital and health institutions in the area will be solicited by IFOLHA.

 Part of the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society, the AIDS Foundation and the American Diabetes Association.     Visit  www.festivaloflifehealthawareness.com, e-mail: sponsor@festivaloflifehealthawareness.com or call 312/427-0266.

 

   HEALTH MISSION

   The annual International Festival of Life (IFOL) Health Stage and Pavilion is a critical component of our mission to raise awareness and improve the lives of people; especially minority groups, afflicted with chronic diseases.  The following are a few statistics that embody the need for our mission:

•   There are approximately 26 million Children and adults in the United States living with Diabetes, with minority ethnic groups at the greatest risk.
           
•    Racial and ethnic minorities accounted for almost 71 percent of the newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection in 2010. In the same year, 84 percent       of  children born with HIV infection belong to minority groups.

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•    There are about 20 million Americans living with Arthritis diseases, including 1.3 million afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Rheumatoid Arthritis is the leading cause of disabilities among Americans, with minority ethnic groups at the greatest risk.

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We must extend special thanks to all our health partners who over the years have helped to make our Health Pavilion viable and strong in educating the community, in particular  Genentech, Inc, Walgreens, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Osco Pharmacy, Wal-Mart Pharmacy, University of Chicago Hospital, Northwestern, LaRabida Children’s Hospital, Rush Medical Center, South Shore Foot & Ankle Clinic - Dr. Peter Akerele, South Park Associates - Sykes Health Center- Dr. Antonio Senat-  Medical Director, Dr. Ayo Gordon, Dr. Tanneia McCraney, Dr. Odie Payne, Dr. Calvin Flowers, Dr. Roland Rose, ChiroOne, Dr. Emanuel Bansa, and Ashland Medical Center- Dr. Prem Rapani, among others.

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We have listened to your calls - our dedicated health and wellness fans, the people of Chicago, loyal festival visitors to Chicago and others who have requested that we expand the Health Pavilion to include more health organizations and medical providers to satisfy the health and medical concerns of the tens of thousands of seniors and other health - conscious patrons.   

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Special thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers and patrons, whose years of continued support help to keep the International Festival of Life Health Awareness segment in the International Festival of Life alive and well.

Sincerely,

Ephraim M. Martin