DRIFocus
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Fall 2019 I Volume 47 I Issue 1
DRI and Biorep Commemorate 25-year Partnership Toward a Cure In the mid-70s, Ramon Poo’s daughter, Cristina, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 3 years old. He and his wife, Tina, quickly got involved with the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation to help raise money to find a cure. But as an engineer and owner of Altira Inc., a Miami-based plastic bottle manufacturing company, he knew he could do more. An opportune meeting with a then-young scientist and inventor, Dr. Camillo Ricordi, who is now director of the Diabetes Research Institute, was the start of an enduring partnership that would lead to significant research progress and a new company, Biorep Technologies, created in 1994. Now, 25 years later, Ramon has worked with many DRI scientists to design and manufacture dozens of patented medical devices, which are distributed to leading pharmaceutical and medical institutions around the world. It all started with the Ricordi Chamber, the device invented by Dr. Ricordi that makes islet transplantation possible. “We originally built the Ricordi Chamber from scratch. We tried to find companies interested in helping us but were unable to find anyone that was willing to produce it,” explained Dr. Ricordi.
Join us on social media
“We get a lot of calls from different universities and research centers around the world, and we ship the technologies developed at the DRI to over 35 countries now.”
“It was thanks to Ramon Poo that we started producing the first chambers with state-of-the-art technology.” Demand for the device increased as the Ricordi Chamber became the standard piece of equipment used by doctors working in islet transplantation the world over. As needs grew, Ramon decided to create a new business entity that would develop innovative products to help researchers defeat diabetes. According to Managing Director Felipe Echeverri, all Biorep’s diabetes equipment initiates from the DRI. “We get a lot of calls from different universities and research centers around the world, and we ship the technologies developed at the DRI to over 35 countries now,” said Felipe. For Ramon, it’s all about getting good results that will help lead to a cure for his daughter and millions more. As he looks back on the countless hours and money he has donated to the cause: “We just said this is something we have to do, and we do it. We all have the dream of finding the cure.” Get the whole story at DiabetesResearch.org/biorep
WAYS TO GIVE
A Donation that Benefits You and the DRI A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows to you contribute directly from your individual retirement account (IRA) to a charity in an easy, highly tax-efficient way. If you’re planning to take your required minimum distribution, please consider making a gift to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation! In addition to making an impact in the search for a cure for diabetes, benefits include: • It’s an easy and convenient way to make a gift from one of your major assets. • It’s counted toward your required minimum distribution. • The distribution will not be counted as taxable income. For your gift to qualify: • You must be over 70 years of age. • The transfer must go directly from your IRA. • Your total gift cannot exceed $100,000. • Your gift must be outright. For more information, or to learn additional planning pointers, contact Jill Shapiro Miller at 800-321-3437.
Please support the $200,000 Match Challenge! The Diabetes Research Institute is laser-focused on finding a cure. But we need your support. That’s why we’re thrilled that the Diabetes Foundation of the High Plains has offered to match every dollar donated through December 31, 2019 – up to $200,000! Formed by a group of Texas families affected by T1D and the doctors and nurses who care for them, this group is focused on supporting research because their dream is a cure for their kids. Double your impact by using the enclosed envelope to donate or go online: DiabetesResearch.org/match.
Create a Facebook Fundraiser Did you know you can create your own fundraiser on Facebook? Lots of people are using the social media platform to raise money for the DRI on their birthdays or other celebratory events. But if you create a fundraiser now, any funds you raise will be matched dollar for dollar through December 31 – thanks to a generous matching gift, as mentioned above. Get started at Facebook.com/fund/DiabetesResearchInstitute.
Make a huge impact with a recurring gift! Making an automatic monthly or quarterly donation is a great way to make a big impact on our mission to cure diabetes! This allows you to spread out your donation over time, giving meaningful and sustained support to scientists at the DRI. Monthly or quarterly giving is an easy and effective way to give! To set up a recurring gift, please call 1-800-321-3437 or email Jessica at JDeBlois@drif.org.
Be an Advocate for Your Health or Your Child’s Health Everyone with diabetes should have affordable access to the care, treatments, tools and information needed to manage their diabetes, stay healthy and achieve positive outcomes. Insulet Corporation, maker of the Omnipod® Insulin Management System and supporter of the DRI’s cure-focused work, has launched a unique, interactive website intended to educate, empower and mobilize the diabetes community to drive affordable access to insulin delivery systems. Insulet strives to lessen the daily burden of diabetes and has created the site to arm the diabetes community to achieve a better quality of life. Learn three ways to take action, download a template to begin the advocacy process, get tips on how to speak out and more at: advocacyforaccess.com.
To learn more visit: DiabetesResearch.org/Ways-to-Give
“I truly believe that through our passion, energy and efforts, we can spread awareness and create impactful programs that support people with type 1 diabetes. But we really want our money to support a cure”
From Driveway to Stage: Elizabeth Forrest is Dancing Toward a Cure It all started with a performance in her driveway, according to Dancing for Diabetes president and founder Elizabeth Forrest. Today, the nonprofit organization is a rising force in the diabetes community. Its reach extends well beyond its Orlando headquarters to people with type 1 diabetes throughout the country. And to date, Dancing for Diabetes has donated $145,000 to the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute. “I truly believe that through our passion, energy and efforts, we can spread awareness and create impactful programs that support people with type 1 diabetes. But we really want our money to support a cure,” Elizabeth explained. Diagnosed at age 10 in 1999, Elizabeth attended a performing arts school, where the students were tasked with putting on a dance show. That experience sparked an idea, and she organized her own performance the next year. “I invited my neighbors, family and friends to our first fundraiser. My dance class performed in the driveway; we were grilling and face painting and had a great response. But I knew I wanted to make it bigger,” she said, and approached her middle school principal the following year for a new venue. Coined Dancing for Diabetes (DFD), the event continued to outgrow its space, moving from the middle school to her high school to
Orlando’s premier performing arts center, the Bob Carr Theater, where the Broadway-style show attracts 2,400 supporters each November. It features more than 300 talented and nationally recognized dancers who execute an inspiring showcase of tap, ballet, hip hop, jazz, and more. And while the show goes on, the DFD organization has expanded to provide year-round programming, including free dance classes for kids and teens with T1D, free education seminars in local schools, the annual “Touched by Type 1” conference, their “D Box” outreach program, which provides information and resources for those newly diagnosed, and a bowling fundraiser. Elizabeth credits the hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for helping DFD climb to where it is today. According to DRI Foundation Vice President Tom Karlya, Elizabeth is simply a shining star. “Elizabeth’s positive attitude toward helping all people with diabetes is infectious. She is truly one of the most remarkable women I’ve met on this journey,” said Tom, who has two children with type 1 and is known as DiabetesDad within the diabetes community. A self-described “shy kid,” Elizabeth says diabetes helped her find a platform she felt strongly about. “I used the cause and the mission as a shield, turning this horrible disease into something that could be inspiring. And it drives me – every single day. Until there is a cure for diabetes, my team and I will continue to do our part.”
DRI DIPLOMATS One Smart Cookie Elsie, 11, wants to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes since two people close to her are living with it. “When I found out my sister was diagnosed, along with the fact that my mom manages diabetes, I decided I had to do something,” she wrote and chose to set up a bake sale. She created her own fundraising page at DRIdiplomat.everydayhero.do and shared it with friends and family for support. Donations started pouring in! She then reached out to local bakeries, coffee shops, and grocery stores for product donation, requiring nutritional information on everything. Combining online donations and the day’s sales, Elsie (pictured with her dad, Mike, and sister Louisa, 8) raised more than $3,200 for the DRI!
Guitar of Hope What do Tim McGraw, John C. Reilly, and Paul Simon have in common? They all signed the guitar of hope! Thanks to Terrell Lee, concierge at the American Airlines Admirals Club at Nashville International Airport, and the team there, 61 celebrities who passed through their gates over a period of nine months signed this amazing collector’s item. “Everyone who stops to look at this guitar, I tell them how diabetes affects my life, and that we hope it will raise money for a cure,” said Terrell, whose wife, Trish, has been living with T1D for 35 years. Stay tuned for more info!
3 |
AROUND THE DRI
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE WITH ARMANDO MENDEZ, PH.D.
Dr. Armando Mendez knows about the ravages of diabetes. Early in his research career, he saw that diabetes was a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Then, he further delved into the connection between cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, noting that people with diabetes were at greater risk for both conditions. It became clear that diabetes was a major culprit behind a host of complications that affect just about every organ in the body. From his first academic appointment at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston to his long-standing tenure at the Diabetes Research Institute, Dr. Mendez has been studying the damaging effects of diabetes. And, he’s intent on preventing them. As director of the DRI’s Biomarker and Immunoassay Core Laboratory and a Research Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, he and his team focus on identifying biological signals, or biomarkers, that may predict the onset of these conditions. Using a mix of lifestyle changes, drugs, or the body’s own defenses, they are developing new therapies to stop or delay the onset of these complications in patients.
Q. What is oxytocin and why is it important? A. Oxytocin is a hormone that is mainly associated with childbirth. However, over the last decade it has become clear that oxytocin is involved in many other functions. In fact, oxytocin receptors – links on the surface of cells that uniquely bind to oxytocin – are found on most of the body’s cells, supporting its broader function. Our lab was the first to identify the oxytocin receptor on the surface of certain immune cells that are involved in attacking harmful invaders, repairing tissue, and causing inflammation. We showed that when we delivered oxytocin to these immune cells, it acted like a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
One of his latest projects focuses on a hormone called oxytocin and its role in protecting the body’s tissues and cells from diabetes destruction. Through his research, he found that oxytocin may even be able to preserve the health and survival of the insulin-producing cells that are destroyed in type 1 diabetes.
We have also shown that oxytocin is present within islets, predominantly in the insulin-producing beta cells but also in other cell types in the islet. Early studies have shown that treating beta cells with oxytocin can improve insulin secretion, suggesting that it plays a role in beta cell health. Other studies have also shown that oxytocin might protect the beta cells during times of high stress.
Q. What is your area of research at the DRI?
Q. What are the next steps in your research?
A. Our work has looked at the disorders associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, primarily studying the effects of cardiovascular disease and lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) on the body. The overarching goal of these studies is to identify biomarkers, or signs of disease onset, that we can modify with certain interventions to prevent or delay damage to patients.
A. We have developed a specific research model to better understand how oxytocin influences beta cell function and survival under normal conditions and also under different stresses that can influence blood sugar control, beta cell survival and diabetes. As we continue down this research path, we are keenly interested in understanding how oxytocin may affect autoimmunity, beta cell destruction and overall metabolic health. We will be working closely with other DRI investigators that are experts in these areas of research to further inform out studies.
Another important area of research has been in understanding the role of oxytocin and the oxytocin receptor that is found in most cells throughout the body. For example, in studies of atherosclerosis using research models, we have shown that the group treated with oxytocin had significantly less artery disease compared to the untreated group.
Q&A article continues at: DiabetesResearch.org/UTM-Mendez
DRI Director Presents at Annual CTRMS Congress The Cell Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Society (CTRMS), which exists to be the leader in developing and translating safe, cellular and regenerative therapies to patients, recently held its 16th annual congress in Greece. As founder and first president (1992-1994) of the organization, DRI Director Camillo Ricordi M.D., gave a presentation to the group about cell therapies, immunomodulation, and regeneration as strategies for curing diabetes. This year, Professor Thierry Berney was the recipient of the 2019 Ricordi Lecture and was awarded a special “Golden” Ricordi Chamber, the device invented by Dr. Ricordi that makes islet transplantation possible. Dr. Ricordi later presented the same lecture to other researchers and clinicians back at the DRI.
Dr. Norma Kenyon Develops New Angel Network at UM Norma S. Kenyon, Ph.D., wears many hats! In addition to being a pioneering diabetes researcher, a deputy director at the DRI, and a mom to an adult daughter with type 1 diabetes, she serves as the University of Miami’s vice provost for innovation and chief innovation officer. In the latter roles, she’s initiating a new angel investor-type network that pairs UM-affiliated investors with UM-affiliated investigators developing commercially viable ideas. “It is essentially a startup to help startups,’’ said Dr. Kenyon, who hatched the idea while searching for ways to support early-stage innovations emanating from the University and help bring them to the marketplace. (Pictured with Provost Jeffrey Duerk)
DRI’s Islet Encapsulation Strategies Highlighted at Nanotechnology Conference At NanoDay 2019, several researchers from the University of Miami outlined their work in the field of nanotechnology, which is one of the most cutting-edge disciplines of science today. Among the biomedical scientists presenting their work was the DRI’s Alice Tomei, Ph.D., whose presentation was titled “Bioengineered Platform for Immunomodulation in Autoimmune Diabetes.” She spoke about the innovative islet encapsulation strategies she and her team are working on to make transplanted insulin-producing cells “invisible” to the immune system. The conference emphasized the need to collaborate and share tools and resources in order to make discoveries that can affect people’s lives in positive ways.
What’s all the hype with fruit and diabetes? What you need to know One of our PEP Squad (Parents Empowering Parents) moms with a newly diagnosed child wanted to know the do’s and don’ts of “fruit and diabetes.” So, we asked for more info from the expert nutritionists at the DRI, and we think you’ll like the advice they offered up. (HINT: You can still enjoy fruit’s sweet, juicy goodness!) Here’s what you need to know: Fructose is fruit’s primary sugar and depending on the fiber content of the fruit, it can have an effect on your blood sugar spikes.
Fresh is always better; processed or cooked fruits usually contain very little fiber and cause a rapid spike in blood sugar.
Combining a high-sugar/low fiber fruit with a small amount of protein or a healthy fat could minimize the effect of the blood sugar spikes. For example, have grapes with a cheese stick or pineapple with cottage cheese.
Fruit & Diabetes
Best fruit choices are those with a low-glycemic index* like blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, apples, cantaloupe and pears.
Fruits to limit are dried fruit, fruit juices, watermelon and grapes.
Fruits are delicious and very healthy. Be smart with your choices, and remember one serving of fruit contains 15 grams of carbohydrates, so keep an eye on portions! *(ranks how certain foods affect blood sugars) 5 |
REGIONAL NEWS & EVENTS
“The research spearheaded by the DRI is now a world-wide effort with the DRI Federation. An army of fundraisers and researchers are now marching forward, in collaboration, on a cure for the diabetes epidemic.”
BOARD SPOTLIGHT Stephen Rizzo Stephen Rizzo joined the National Board of Directors of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation one year ago, but his deep dedication to the Stephen and Agnes Rizzo at the Empire Ball DRI’s cure-focused work expands well beyond that. His sister, Andrea, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12, and his entire family pledged their tireless support long ago to finding a cure for her and millions more. Steve is a Principal at Rizzo Group, the leading building code and zoning consultancy in New York City. Rizzo Group obtains construction and development approvals with municipal agencies for many of the largest real estate occupiers, from the Empire State Building to JP Morgan, Facebook, and Google. Steve also co-founded CodeGreen Solutions, the leader in sustainability and energy consulting for real estate nationwide. Steve serves as a Vice Chair of the Empire Ball, the most anticipated event of the year for New York City’s real estate and construction
A Union Tradition North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), the DRI Foundation’s most dedicated partner and largest contributor, held its annual D.A.D.’s Day campaign in multiple cities across the country, as well as its Labor of Love weekend in Philadelphia, which features golf, bowling, Texas Hold-em and more. The men and women of NABTU are passionately committed to our mission of finding a cure, and we can’t thank them enough for their ongoing efforts! Pictured are Leo Narens, Jon Clinton, and Judy Sereni from Caesars Entertainment, and Sean McGarvey, Brad Spiess, and Nick Giovenco of Union Insurance Group; and McGarvey with Wayne Miller, Chang Suh, and Mayor Jim Kenney.
industries. Since inception, the annual affair has raised more than $39 million for diabetes research. Moving forward, Steve aims to increase fundraising goals and continue to grow the event, which has benefited the Diabetes Research Institute for decades. “The Empire Ball is growing in every measurable way, and this year we are on track for another record raise. We are all so energized by the ground breaking research at the DRI that we see every year from Dr. Ricordi and his extraordinary team, as well as the show of support from the real estate industry,” he said. The industry’s commitment to the DRI extends beyond the event itself. For the third consecutive year, the Empire State Building and several other skyscrapers will illuminate their spires in blue to #LightTheSkyForDRI. It’s a fantastic visual representation of the industry’s solidarity and longstanding dedication to finding a cure. “The research spearheaded by the DRI is a world-wide effort with the DRI Federation. An army of fundraisers and researchers are now marching forward, in collaboration, on a cure for the diabetes epidemic. We won’t quit until diabetes is cured. We will be here until the goal is reached. That’s the ethos of the real estate industry.”
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
EVENTS
1. It was a fabulous night of Broadway performances, cool cocktails, dinner, desserts and dancing at NYC’s DREAMS in the City, where Peter Friedfeld (center) served as the Dare to Dream honoree. Pictured with Co-chairs Meryl Lieberman, Susan Weiner, Bonnie Inserra, and Samantha Shanken Baker. 2. Dan Marino and other NFL alum joined host Don Strock (left) and Co-chair Bruce Fishbein (right) at the Don Strock Diabetes Golf Classic, which raised more than $144,000. Pictured with longtime committee member and sponsor Doug Tannehill. 3. Members of Long Island’s insurance community hit the lanes for a fun night of bowling, prize drawings, and delicious food and spirits, raising $15,000 for the DRI. Pictured are Event Chair Michael Vescovo with the winning team from Travelers Insurance: Greg Heinsenn, Matt Wilson and Melissa Fischer. 4. More than 450 attendees enjoyed a memorable Night Out for a Cure with food, drinks and an amazing performance by the Alpaca Gnomes at The Warehouse in Fairfield, CT. Pictured are Co-chairs Steve and Lauren Fields (center) with their amazing committee. 5. Team DRI captains, cyclists, and supporters, including Keith Adwar, John Carrion, Peter Friedfeld, David Newman, Bruce Siegel and Kenneth Vrana, helped raise more than $75,000 at the Tour of the Hamptons! Peter pictured (center right) with other T1D riders. 6. More than 250 players enjoyed the Donaldson Organization Golf Outing at the legendary Winged Foot Golf Club in New York and helped raise $500,000. Pictured are Doug Donaldson and Bob Donaldson, with Matthew, who has T1D, and Ty. 7. At All In for a Cure, more than 200 guests enjoyed a Texas Hold’em poker tournament with casino games and more at NYC’s Grand Havana Room. Pictured are Co-chair Troy Gregory, National Board Member Ricardo Salmon, Grand Prize Winner T. Roger White, and Co-chair Isaac Khafif.
There are additional photos and event recaps on our website. Please visit DiabetesResearch.org/Events
7
DRIFocus
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation National Office 200 South Park Road Suite 100 Hollywood, FL 33021 address service requested
CALENDAR
For information on the events or to make reservations, visit DiabetesResearch.org or call one of the DRI Foundation offices listed below. DECEMBER 11
2019
Empire Ball NEW YORK
2020
FEBRUARY 15
FEBRUARY 24
Love and Hope High Rollers Night FLORIDA
A Gift of Love, A Gift of Hope Luncheon FLORIDA
MARCH 7
APRIL 6
APRIL 26
MAY 7
MAY 13
PEP Walk & Family Fun Day FLORIDA
Cooking for a Cure NEW YORK
Out of the Kitchen FLORIDA
DREAMS in the City NEW YORK
Don Strock Diabetes Golf Classic FLORIDA
JUNE 19 DRI Diabetes Golf Classic FLORIDA For more info visit: DiabetesResearch.org/Events
DRIFocus A publication of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Marketing & Communications Dept. Lori Weintraub, APR / Lauren Schreier Other Contributors Mercy T. Molina RD, CDE / Jessica DeBlois Photography DRI - DRIF staff and volunteers / Marc S. Levine Photography / Andrew Milne Photography / Bob Mitchell Photography Design francdesign
Facebook.com/DiabetesResearchInstitute
I Fall 2019 I Volume 47 I Issue 1
The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation supports the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The Foundation’s mission is to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now. To obtain additional information or request copies of DRIFocus, please call (800) 321-3437, e-mail lweintraub@drif.org, or visit DiabetesResearch.org.
DIABETES RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOUNDATION National Office Florida Region 200 South Park Road, Suite 100 Hollywood, FL 33021 Phone: (954) 964-4040 Fax: (954) 964-7036 info@drif.org
Instagram.com/DiabetesResearch
New York Office Northeast Region 259 West 30th Street, Suite 402 New York, NY 10001 Phone: (212) 888-2217 Fax: (212) 888-2219 neregion@drif.org
Twitter.com/Diabetes_DRI
YouTube.com/CureDiabetesDRI