A specialty vehicle tag that will help fund diabetes research and care for patients at Children’s of Alabama is now available for pre-purchase through the Alabama Department of Revenue.

The Hope for Kids with Diabetes tag will be produced when the state receives 1,000 purchase commitments before Oct. 31, 2013.

The tag will cost $50, with $41.25 from each purchase directly benefiting pediatric endocrinology at Children’s of Alabama.

Proceeds from the tag sales will help fund patient care, physician training and research for the thousands of young Alabamians growing up with diabetes.

To commit to purchasing a Hope for Kids with Diabetes car tag, applicants must complete an “Intent to Purchase” form with the Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles. The tags may be personalized at no extra charge.

“By purchasing the Hope for Kids with Diabetes tag, Alabama drivers will not only help raise much-needed funds, but will also increase awareness of this growing health concern,” said Dr. Kenneth McCormick, director of pediatric endocrinology at Children’s. “Every tag is like a small billboard promoting the need to help these youngsters who must deal with a serious chronic illness every day of their lives.”

Diabetes is a disease of high blood glucose or “blood sugar” that results from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin or its abnormal response to insulin.

Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children since 1911, offering inpatient and outpatient services throughout central Alabama.