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MANLIUS, N.Y. -- One Manlius boy is leading the charge against type one diabetes.

Frankie Palladino, 9, is living with the disease. Manlius Mayor Mark-Paul Serafin joined him in "painting the town blue."

Both are raising awareness for what people with diabetes face on a daily basis. Volunteers supporting the cause painted the town's gazebo blue, are selling blue t-shirts and a local restaurant is offering a blue plate special until the end of the month.

Frankie's mother says her son wants people living with diabetes to know they can live a normal life.

"He just wants people to understand it's not people's fault they have diabetes and they can do anything and be anything they want in life. It's just something they have to deal with every day," said Patty Palladino.

Proceeds from the town's efforts will benefit diabetes research.

For more information on type one diabetes, visit www.jdrf.org.