How much do you know about diabetes? Let a 9-year-old Manlius boy fill you in

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – A 9-year-old Manlius boy who is living with diabetes has made it his mission to raise awareness about the disease.

Third grader Frankie Palladino has been living with diabetes for three years. Tomorrow night he will continue his campaign at the Onondaga County War Memorial during a Syracuse Silver Knights pre-game event.

Palladino and his friends will run on to the field right before the game and hand out t-shirts and also provide facts about the disease.

Palladino is aware that the disease is misunderstood. He has spoken to students throughout Central New York in order to teach his peers about diabetes.

While he enjoys being a Cub Scout and other activities like any other boy his age, Palladino must take several insulin shots a day.

“Lots of people don’t know about diabetes and lots of people have it,” he said. “And it’s hard to explain. So I want people to know what diabetes is.”

“I’m amazed by his bravery,” said the boy’s mother, Patty Palladino.

Anyone who wants to support the event can go to the Syracuse Silver Knights game at the War Memorial at 7 p.m. on Friday. The game begins at 7:30 p.m.