New look! Same cure-focused mission.
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Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Spring 2021
“It’s a remarkable time for T1D research efforts worldwide as this investigational treatment enters the clinic.”
Clinical Trial for Novel Investigational Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Open for Enrollment
Insulin-producing pancreatic cells derived from stem cells that could potentially provide an unlimited source of cells for islet transplantation.
Diabetes Research Institute investigators will lead the first site activated for the Vertex Pharmaceuticals patient study that will test VX-880, a novel investigational cell therapy with the potential to restore normal glucose control in those suffering from type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Committee Chair for the VX-880 clinical trial. “The field’s experience with the limited cadaveric islet transplants available, where some patients have experienced prolonged insulin independence for years, provides important proof-of-concept for the potential of cell therapy to be transformative for patients living with T1D.”
The program was granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which offers an expedited review process to accelerate treatments for urgent and unmet medical needs. It will evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of VX-880 infusion in certain T1D patients. To be considered as a candidate for the trial, participants must have a clinical history of type 1 diabetes of at least five years, be 18-65 years of age, and have multiple episodes of severe hypoglycemia and impaired hypoglycemic awareness 12 months prior to enrollment.
The program’s groundbreaking work began in Dr. Doug Melton’s lab, who developed this line of insulin-producing pancreatic cells derived from stem cells. Vertex acquired Semma Therapeutics, the biotechnology company founded by Melton, in 2019.
“It’s a remarkable time for T1D research efforts worldwide as this investigational treatment enters the clinic,” said Camillo Ricordi, M.D., Director of the Diabetes Research Institute and Steering
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“I am grateful to the DRI team that will help with this unprecedented, first-in-human clinical trial,” added Ricordi. The University of Miami Health System was the first clinical site activated for this trial, that now also includes the University of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts General Hospital. Those interested in applying can contact the DRI’s clinical trials team at (305) 243-5321.
WAYS TO GIVE
Tax-Wise Charitable Giving:
Donating Appreciated Assets One potentially smart, but often overlooked charitable-giving tax break comes through donating long-term appreciated assets instead of contributing cash or checks to nonprofit organizations. These assets may include securities such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and real estate. This strategy can result in benefits for both you and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. In this article, we will focus on securities. What are the benefits of using this strategy for giving? • Gifts of long-term appreciated securities (held over one year) “cost” donors less than equivalent gifts made in cash. By donating the securities directly to the DRI Foundation, our organization will receive a larger gift than we would receive if you sold the stock and then donated the proceeds after deducting the capital gains taxes of up to 20% on the appreciation. (For securities that have been held less than one year, you can only deduct your adjusted cost basis, and therefore, it may be advantageous to contribute a different asset). • You may be able to deduct more than what you paid for the asset. • Consider choosing long-term appreciated securities with the greatest capital gain to take maximum advantage of this tax savings.
• You will not have to deplete your cash accounts to make the gift, which can give you more financial flexibility. • The process of transferring securities to the DRI Foundation is simple. Would you like to generate reliable income from appreciated securities? • Appreciated securities may be used to fund life income gifts, such as charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts. • Based on the specifics of the gift, you can receive a current income tax deduction for the charitable portion of the gift. • Capital gains taxes are avoided or reported in prorated amounts over the life (or lives) of the beneficiary(ies) as determined by the particulars of the gift. • You will enjoy the benefit of an income stream from the annuity or trust for yourself and/or a loved one. To learn more contact Jill Shapiro Miller at (954) 964-4040 ext. 1103 or at jshapiro@drif.org. Please consult your professional tax advisor regarding your particular tax situation and the implications of tax law changes.
Corporate Partners Create Positive Change Position your company as a leader in the fight against diabetes and finding a cure now by becoming a corporate partner. Event sponsorships, point-of-sale donations, and in-kind donations are longstanding traditions with several of our partners. However, we offer a number of creative ways to team up that will not only help build positive brand recognition, but it also increases employee satisfaction and retention. We customize each partnership to ensure it’s a win-win for all, and something you can truly feel proud to support. Beyond cause marketing, many companies offer generous matching gift programs. Use our Double the Donation tool to learn if your company will match your gift. For more information, visit DiabetesResearch.org/corporate-partner or contact Director of Corporate Relations Stephanie Lanza at slanza@drif.org or (954) 964-4040 ext 1117.
To learn more visit: DiabetesResearch.org/Ways-to-Give
$500,000 Matching Gift Challenge The Caroline and Alitza Weiss Foundation has offered us an outstanding opportunity. These wonderful supporters will continue their commitment to our mission by matching dollar for dollar all contributions to the DRIF made by June 30, 2021 – up to $500,000. Every dollar raised will take us one step closer to that momentous day when diabetes is no more. We need your help to reach the full potential of this gift. Use the enclosed envelope to mail in a donation of any amount, or donate online: DiabetesResearch.org/match
You’re Invited to Join DRIF’s Grandparents Council Calling all Grandmas, Grandpas, Nonnas, Papaws, Abuelas, Abuleo, Bobes, Zeydes, Grammies and Grampys! Celebrate the joy of being a grandparent by joining this special group of supporters. Make a gift to both honor your grandchildren and show them what it means to help others. In addition, this group will provide emotional support and educational opportunities to each other and their children who have kids with type 1 diabetes. If you are interested in joining the council, contact Nicole Otto at notto@drif.org.
Become a DRIF Young Leader We are looking for young people with big hearts and a passion for finding a cure for diabetes! The DRIF Young Leaders is a group of people, aged 5 to young adults, with an interest in spreading awareness about diabetes and the DRI’s cure-focused research. Students will have the opportunity to gather virtually with other kids their age, and are encouraged to give a classroom presentation, speak to an audience at a fundraising event, or create their own event, plus community service hours may be offered. Together, our young leaders can make a difference by becoming the next generation of DRIF supporters and advocates for a cure. If you want to learn more about joining the group, contact Gabrielle Zunde at gzunde@drif.org.
Meet a DRI Scientist Program to Visit a Club Near You This summer, we’re bringing science to a country club near you! You can help host our Meet a DRI Scientist program, offered both in person and virtually, to learn about all the work we continue to do in the midst of a pandemic. Your community will enjoy this interactive experience while learning about the latest scientific advancements at the Diabetes Research Institute. Building awareness about diabetes and the dire need to find a cure will take a village. You can help by educating your community! If you are a member of a country club and are interested in learning more, please contact Amy Powers at apowers@drif.org.
DIY Online Fundraisers If there is one thing we have learned from the pandemic, it is being proficient in the Do-It-Yourself arena is a must. We have just the thing for you to create your own online fundraisers. Tiltify is the new tool for fundraising in a unique way. Whether cooking, dancing, or gaming, you can now use Tiltify to stream your skills and raise money toward helping find a cure for diabetes. Take advantage of the most requested and flexible DIY online streaming tool. Let your fundraisers unlock their creativity and fundraising potential. Find us at: Tiltify. com/diabetes-research-institute-foundation 3 |
AROUND THE DRI
“Leveraging my immunoengineering expertise with the pharmacology, immunology, and translational medicine expertise of other DRI scientists is key to speed up my research and get to the clinic faster.”
Drs. Alice Tomei and Allison Bayer have continued to collaborate together through the years to advance scientific research. (Photo 2018)
Lab Collabs Speed Research Findings At the Diabetes Research Institute, scientific collaboration has long been at the core of our philosophy. The key to fast-tracking research from the lab to patients is to collaborate – not compete – with fellow scientists. DRI researchers are doing just that within the United States and around the world through the DRI Federation, a global alliance of researchers from top medical centers who are focused on one goal: curing diabetes. Even within the DRI’s own walls, however, collaborative efforts are crucial to achieving our mission. Dr. Alice Tomei, director of the Islet Immunoengineering Laboratory at the DRI, is involved in a number of joint initiatives with her DRI colleagues from other departments. Her main focus is to develop novel platforms to prevent rejection after islet transplantation and to promote tolerance for a cure of type 1 diabetes. “Leveraging my immunoengineering expertise with the pharmacology, immunology, and translational medicine expertise of other DRI scientists is key to speed up my research and get to the clinic faster. While in art one person can achieve a masterpiece independently, in science we advance medicine as a team,” said Dr. Tomei, a leading international expert in immunoprotection and diabetes immunoengineering – which applies engineering tools to the study of the immune system.
nanomaterial platform allows for more localized and targeted delivery of immunomodulatory drugs – agents that help activate, boost, or restore normal immune function. This platform addresses issues with the toxicity of systemic drug treatments that prevent rejection in islet transplantation, increasing the safety of the procedure. Dr. Tomei also collaborated with Dr. Allison Bayer, research assistant professor in the department of microbiology and immunology, and Dr. Alberto Pugliese, deputy director of immune tolerance. Working together, Dr. Tomei and the team were able to develop biomaterial platforms for safer and more clinically applicable delivery of CCL21, a chemokine that can promote tolerance to beta cells and prevent autoimmune diabetes. Dr. Tomei has also worked with DRI Deputy Director Dr. Norma Kenyon and Dr. Dora Berman-Weinberg, research associate professor of surgery, to test her immunoprotective islet coatings in experimental models. Preclinical testing is critical to establish safety of new technologies before clinical translation. By joining forces with scientific colleagues who have specific expertise, DRI researchers are able to investigate more strategies, share more ideas, and accomplish more success for those living with diabetes.
Working closely with Dr. Peter Buchwald, director of the drug discovery program at the DRI, Dr. Tomei demonstrated that a
Learn more about Dr. Tomei’s work and other collaborative efforts at: DiabetesResearch.org/curing-diabetes
THE TIME FOR A CURE IS NOW DiabetesResearch.org
This year marks our 50th Anniversary, and the need for a cure has never been more urgent. As a result of the pandemic, we have seen what can be accomplished in science with enough public support, need, and effort. Fueled by a team of top researchers, an international community of scientists, and a committed cadre of donors, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is a united force moving relentlessly toward a cure. You can Be Part of the Cure! Learn more at DiabetesResearch.og/how-you-can-help
5 Top Tips on Healthy Eating When Stressed Stay hydrated. Aim for at least 6-8 cups of water a day.
Out of sight, out of mind. Keep tempting foods away from home, such as sweets/desserts, chips, and crackers. Try to have healthy items always available.
Don’t skip meals. Aim for three balanced meals a day. Especially on busy days, it’s important to look ahead, organize your schedule, and find a way to make your meals fit. Remember to keep it simple: a sandwich or a wrap can be great quick and easy options.
Practice mindful eating. Before you are about to go through some of your favorite comfort foods, take a moment to stop and think before you eat. Try to recognize what is triggering your food choices – you may realize you haven’t eaten lunch or maybe you haven’t had any water. Don’t forget to also give yourself some time to prepare something, look at portion sizes, and limit eating out of the box or container.
Meal prep. Have food items that are readily available at home. For example, items like cooked lentils or quinoa, frozen lean turkey patties, batch of veggie soup or quick snack items like yogurt, cottage cheese and hummus.
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GET INVOLVED
“It’s a really effective way to get people involved from all over the country. And, that’s what the goal is moving forward.”
Keith Adwar Turned His Passion for Cycling Into a Team DRI Fundraiser Although many events and gatherings continue to be virtual during the pandemic, you can still join Team DRI by hosting your own bike ride – wherever you live! You can ride in your neighborhood, in a park or even on your Peloton, and still help raise much needed funds for our cure-focused research. Cycling enthusiast Keith Adwar is doing just that. Keith, who has type 2 diabetes, started cycling to help manage his blood sugar, but since then, he has turned his hobby into a passion project to raise funds for worthy organizations, including the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. He says to find a cure, building more awareness is critical. “The DRI set up a great website where you can build your own team. With ‘Team Adwar,’ I can ask my friends to join, post it on Facebook, and send emails out right from the website. The website makes it easy to ask friends and relatives to support us and donate. It’s a great way to raise money and get the word out,” said Keith, who is the chief financial officer of Adwar Casting Company and serves on the DRIF’s Northeast Board of Directors. By doing what he loves, Keith was able to raise money for research, and you can too… by joining Team DRI! Keith added, “It’s a really effective way to get people involved from all over the country. And, that’s what the goal is moving forward.” There are endless possibilities for independent fundraising events and projects to help DRI scientists find a cure for diabetes, and you can make the campaign your own – from marathons and golf tournaments to bake sales, craft sales and more. To join Team DRI, visit: DiabetesResearch.org/JoinTeamDRI
What does a#DiabetesFreeLife Look Like for You? Building awareness about diabetes, how it affects your life, and what a cure would mean to you is a vital component to achieving our mission. That’s why the DRIF recently launched a social media campaign to spotlight the urgency of finding a diabetes cure now. Whether you prefer Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter, post a photo or video explaining what a #DiabetesFreeLife would look like for you. For Emma and her mom Heather, it means days and nights free of constant concern. Tell us what it means to you by using #DiabetesFreeLife and tagging us.
EVENTS This Father’s Day, we salute and thank the members of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), who turned this special holiday into a longstanding fundraising tradition. The Dollars Against Diabetes (D.A.D.s Day) Campaign started as a street corner collection but has grown to include walkathons, motorcycle rallies, golf tournaments and more. To date, the men and women of the Building Trades have raised over $60 million to help fund the DRI’s crucial research. From your DRI Family, we wish all dads a Happy Father’s Day!
The Empire Ball went virtual, under the leadership of Co-chairs Jim Halpin, Avi Itzikowitz and Steve Rizzo. Featuring sports legends, celebrities and more, the event, hosted by CBS2 News Anchor Chris Wragge, raised more than $450,000. As part of the celebration, several prominent structures in the US and Canada, including the Empire State Building, illuminated in blue to shine a light on the work of the DRI. Special thanks are extended to in-kind/media partners: Tito’s Handmade Vodka; Angie’s Tables, Digital Waterworx, Earthcam, Silvercast, iHeart Media, and WKTU. With great sadness, the DRI mourns the loss of members John Agnello, Richard Imperatore and Thomas Santiago.
An in-person event just wasn’t in the cards this year for the annual A Gift of Love... A Gift of Hope luncheon and card party. Instead, they created an amazing, virtual shopping experience, which raised money for research while also helping small, local boutique shops. Warmest thanks are extended to our sponsors and all who sent in programs ads and donations. This event was chaired by longtime supporters Renee Aronin, Gloria Katz and Natalie Olstein. Sadly, the DRI is mourning the sudden loss of Renee Aronin, who passed away in May and had chaired this event for nearly two decades.
Complete with social lounges, Broadway entertainment, and more, Dreams in the City, co-chaired by Samantha Shanken Baker, Peter Friedfeld, Bonnie Inserra, Lindsey Inserra, Meryl Lieberman and Susan Weiner, honored Amanda, Marc and Denise Goldberg with the Dare to Dream Award. Amanda was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 9, and the family is committed to supporting the DRI. A surprise announcement was also made when Roberta and Bruce Waller made an additional $100,000 gift, in honor of their daughter Dara Melnick, who was diagnosed with T1D at 7. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsors, The Inserra Family and Roberta and Bruce Waller and Family.
Out of the Kitchen will have a new, fun, unique feel in 2021! Join us at the St. Regis Bal Harbour as South Florida’s most popular and talented chefs cook up a three-course epicurean extravaganza tableside. For the safety and comfort of all guests, CDC guidelines will be in place, including a limited number of guests and socially distanced tables. Hosted by Top Chef Alum Sam Talbot, who has type 1 diabetes, this spectacular night will begin with a cocktail party featuring restaurant pop-ups, and end with and array of Miami’s bests desserts for all guests to take home.
There are additional photos and event recaps on our website. Please visit DiabetesResearch.org/Events
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The Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation were created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be the singular focus until that goal is reached. For the millions of children and adults affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure. Learn more at DiabetesResearch.org, or contact us directly at 800-321-3437 or info@drif.org.
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