DRIfocus Newsletter Fall 2015

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Fall 2015 / Volume 43 / Issue 1

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DRI’S FIRST PATIENT IN BIOHUB TRIAL IS FREE FROM INSULIN IN RECORD TIME

DRI Foundation President and CEO Joshua Rednik and Drs. Camillo Ricordi, director, and Rodolfo Alejandro, director of clinical islet transplantation, with BioHub trial patient Wendy Peacock, who is now free from insulin injections.

On Sunday morning, August 16, Wendy Peacock received a phone call that would change her life. That afternoon, Wendy, 43, a single mother from San Antonio, TX, and a candidate in the DRI’s pilot clinical trial, was on a plane headed to Miami, where DRI researchers performed the novel, minimally invasive islet transplant procedure two days later.

On Wednesday, September 9, just three weeks after her transplant, Wendy, together with the DRI’s Drs. Camillo Ricordi and Rodolfo Alejandro and others on the health care team, announced at a press conference that she was free from insulin injections in record time following the implantation of islet cells within a biological scaffold. Wendy is now producing her own insulin naturally for the first time since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 17.

In this pilot study, DRI researchers are testing a new transplant technique for insulin-producing cells, building upon decades of progress in clinical islet transplantation. The trial is an important first step toward the development of the DRI BioHub, a bioengineered mini-organ that mimics the native pancreas to restore natural insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes.

“The first subject in our Phase I/II pilot BioHub trial is now completely off insulin with an excellent glucose profile. These are the best posttransplant results we’ve seen in an islet recipient,” said Camillo Ricordi, M.D., director of the DRI and the Stacy Joy Goodman Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “This was the first tissue engineered islet transplant using a ‘biodegradable scaffold’ implanted on the surface of the omentum. The technique has been designed to minimize the inflammatory reaction that is normally observed Continued on Page 8

Turning Up the Heat

A Song of Love and Hope

Disney Star at Kids’ Carnival

Former Fins Support DRI

Star Chef Sam Talbot and former Miami HEAT player Ray Allen take the stage at Out of the Kitchen.

Latin crooner Jon Secada gave an unforgettable performance at the 41st Love and Hope Ball.

Skai Jackson of the hit TV series Jessie showed her support at the Kids’ Carnival for a Cure.

Two former Miami Dolphins teammates, Don Strock and Dan Marino, hit the links at the Don Strock Diabetes Golf Classic.

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A Message

from the Chairman Dear Friends,

On the following pages, you will meet many of people behind that critical philanthropic support. Among them are Roberta and Bruce Waller, their daughter, Dara, and Bruce’s sister, Wendy Waller, whose multigenerational legacy of support for the DRI Foundation began decades ago through the longtime involvement of Roberta’s parents, Rowland and Sylvia Schaefer, two of the organization’s most generous donors (page 6).

As we were working to finalize this issue of DRIfocus, we learned that our researchers had received a matching donor pancreas for one of the candidates activated in the DRI’s Phase I/II clinical trial to test a new site in the body for a DRI BioHub. At the time, the patient was en route to Miami for this first-ever procedure in which the isolated islet cells would be implanted within a biodegradable scaffold on the surface of the Featured on page 7 are some of the individuals, families and businesses omentum, a tissue that covers the abdominal organs. whose significant giving is acknowledged through the Foundation’s A few days later, Wendy Peacock, 43, from San Antonio, TX, a single Cycle of Discovery Donor Recognition Program. In recognition of their mother with an adopted young son, became the first patient to receive generosity, their names, along with hundreds of other donors’ names, this groundbreaking procedure. The good news didn’t end there. Just are displayed within the DRI building on our many walls of honor. three weeks later, DRI researchers announced that Wendy was free from insulin injections, exceeding their expectations. As you read in the cover Much of our work could not be accomplished without the involvement story, these results were the best that DRI researchers have seen in their of our voluntary lay leaders, several of whom are profiled on these pages.

In addition to reading about our new board officers (below), you will decades-long experience performing islet transplantation. learn how two Florida board members grew a golf tournament through We are ecstatic for Wendy and her family, and for what we hope will be their personal and professional passion. a sign of more promising results to come. We are also grateful for Wendy’s decision to participate in this study that will help advance They, together with the countless men and women of North America’s Building Trades, our numerous committee members, Diabetes Diploresearch toward our ultimate goal – a biological cure. mats and more, are the driving force behind the DRI’s ability to bring It has been an exciting few weeks for all of us as we’ve witnessed this promising research to the very people living with this disease. historic process unfold. Hopefully, many of you have been following the clinical trial journey through the DRI tv videos available on our website Thank you all for your support. Let’s do our part to keep this work (DiabetesResearch.org/DRItv) or posted on our social media channels. moving forward.

We look forward to providing continuing DRI research updates.

Sincerely, We also share other good news throughout this issue. On the research front in particular, several of our DRI scientists’ research studies were published in leading peer-reviewed journals, while other innovative initiatives earned prestigious awards from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This critical grant funding supplements the Harold G. Doran, Jr. support that our researchers receive from the DRI Foundation through Chairman of the Board your generous contributions and enables their continued progress.

NEW OFFICERS TO SERVE ON THE NATIONAL BOARD The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is pleased to announce that William J. Fishlinger and John C. Doscas will serve as vice chairman and treasurer, respectively, of the National Board of Directors.

Vice Chairman William J. Fishlinger is founder and former CEO and chairman of The Wright Insurance Group and its subsidiary companies, and is one of the leading entrepreneurs in the insurance trade, having created Wright Risk Management (WRM) and seen it through to consolidation with Brown and Brown in one of the industry’s largest transactions of 2014. Last year, Bill announced the creation of Gramercy Risk Holdings, LLC, and serves as chairman and CEO. Prior to WRM, he led a top law firm (Congdon, Flaherty,

O'Callaghan, Reid, Donlon, Travis and Fishlinger in Uniondale, NY) and served in the United States Air Force.

Completely committed to a cure, Bill formerly served as treasurer of the DRI Foundation’s National Board, which he joined in 2008, and is part of the Finance Committee. He and his wife, Joan, have been deeply involved with the Northeast’s Crystal Ball, and together they formed two not-for-profit organizations, the Future Leadership Foundation and the Fishlinger Family Foundation, which both have similar missions of helping young people hurdle health and education obstacles. They have two grown children, Matthew and Alexandra, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 6.

BOARD SPOTLIGHT: BRUCE FISHBEIN AND DON STROCK Over the last 32 years, Florida Board members and longtime friends Bruce Fishbein and Don Strock have built a strong partnership along with one of the area’s longest-running celebrity/amateur golf tournaments – raising approximately $3 million for the DRI. Likeable, friendly and fun, Bruce and Don appear to be your typical guys’ guys.

They have confidence, an extensive knowledge of sports and are both leaders in their chosen careers. Bruce is the president and owner of The Produce Connection, a company known for sourcing the world with the best produce available. Don is a former Miami Dolphins quarterback, who, after 17 years in the NFL, began a coaching career and became the first head football coach in the history of Florida International University, leading the program from 2001 to 2006. A scratch past the surface, however, reveals that these two gentlemen are really all heart and completely committed to helping the DRI find a cure for diabetes.

“I never dreamed this tournament would go 32 years and counting.

But I believe the success of it is due to the fact that there is a synergy between the celebrities, the players, the committee and the staff members at the Foundation,” stated Bruce. “It’s a real team effort.”

The idea to start a golf tournament was born after Bruce watched the young son of his friend inject himself with insulin. He quickly enlisted the support of his golfing buddy, Don. “We saw what this young child had to go through just to stay alive, and we thought he was truly amazing. Then, we learned how diabetes can affect your eyesight, your heart, your kidneys and more. It’s a disease that can strike anyone at any time. That’s when we knew we had to give it 100 percent,” said Don. Bruce gained the support of the produce industry and the South Florida community. Don recruited his football colleagues and local celebrities. The two of them led a passionate committee that, year

after year, brought in incredibly loyal and generous sponsors and participants.

“What I’m proud of,” Don explained, “is that we see a lot of the same people every year. Some of these guys have been supporting the tournament for 32 years. I think that for the players and the sponsors, it’s a real value to them, and they know they’re supporting a cure for diabetes.”

Don Strock and Bruce Fishbein

“It feels like family,” said Bruce, as he added with a smile, “Plus, of all the tournaments I play, and I play many, there is no other goody bag that rivals our bag!”

Bruce and Don were recruited to join the Florida Region Board of Directors as a result of their years of involvement and support, and the funds raised through the annual tournament.

Bruce stated, “Being on the board is something that makes me very proud because it’s clear that everyone involved is committed to the same thing, and that’s a cure for diabetes.”

Don mirrored his sentiment, “It’s not about trophies and recognition.

That’s not why we do this. By supporting the DRI, we know we are making real progress in solving the crisis of diabetes.”

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1. William J. Fishlinger, 2. John C. Doscas

Treasurer John C. Doscas has been on Wall Street for over 30 years and is Managing Partner of Axios Capital. Previously, John was co-founder and president of Hudson Bay Capital. He has advised numerous hedge funds on the financial markets and has served on many financial industry panels and committees. He also invests and is active in the commercial real estate market.

John and his wife, Anne, have supported the DRIF’s Northeast regional events since 1999, but when their eldest son, Christopher, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 20 in 2009, they began a worldwide search to identify the organization that was best equipped to find a cure. It’s no

surprise they ended right back at the DRI. In 2012, John was chosen to serve as the honoree for the Crystal Ball and also joined the Foundation’s National Board. John and Anne have two other children, Michelle and Peter, and the whole family is committed to helping the DRI find a cure for Christopher and millions more.

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SELLING YOUR BUSINESS…

NOW WHAT? You are finally monetizing your life’s work after years – decades – of hard work in building the business. Maybe it’s been a family business for generations and for whatever reasons things are changing, and you are looking to do something different. Maybe your kids – or the next generation – are not interested in the family business and therefore you have found an interested buyer. Or maybe they have found you. Either way, you are coming into some liquid capital and wondering, "What do I do now?"

Perhaps you never thought of your legacy in the terms of philanthropy – or maybe you are like many Americans, who, in the last couple of decades, have made a concerted effort to become proactive with their giving. You plan to move from “checkbook giving” to the more serious and mindful “professional giving.”

So, the goal is leaving behind the occasional giving to this non-profit or that one (it always seems to happen in May and November – the “semi-annual season” as many development offices call it) and moving toward a concerted and earmarked level of giving where you are looking for impact and judge effectiveness through a series of metrics.

Ok, so you are not The Gates Foundation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take your giving seriously – you should – you want to make a difference, right?

First things first, let’s go back to the “monetization event” that started you thinking about your legacy in the first place. Many sellers of businesses are not sure if or when their business will sell – but they are sure that they want to use this opportunity to

start to make a serious impact with their giving…to start their legacy…something they can be proud of for decades to come. The desire is to build a legacy that can be passed down to children and grandchildren – even greatgrandchildren – so their passions, values and interests live on. What many people in this situation do is to allocate some of the shares in their business to a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). The DAF (and not every DAF will accept these complex assets) will first review the governing documents of your business to make sure that there are no restrictions on the sale or donation. For the year of the donation you will get a charitable tax deduction for the Fair Market Value of the shares (donors need to follow the rules on appraisals – need a qualified appraisal dated no earlier than 60 days before the donation). The DAF will sell the shares and avoid the capital gain and you (and your family) will have the opportunity to direct the proceeds in the DAF to be distributed to your favorite charities – hence the start of your philanthropic legacy.

now ready for the next step – defining your areas of interest – your “Mission Statement.”

Many families embarking on this venture want to share the philanthropic experience with their children and family. Many, unsure on how to get started (what areas to focus on, development of Mission Statement, etc.), turn to a philanthropic advisor to determine which giving sectors resonate with family members the most. Some philanthropic advisors facilitate a family retreat (when the entire family is together, say over the holidays) to flesh out the sectors of interest and to discuss philanthropy more broadly. (Are we going to give to project-based initiatives only or would we consider general operating support as well? Large national-footprint organizations or smaller, more grassroots organizations?). Just think about the opportunity to work with your family on making a difference – truly the gift that keeps on giving… creating legacies that live on for generations to come.

With the Donor-Advised Fund in place you are

Article provided by: Peter J. Klein, CFA®, CRPS®, managing director, partner at Klein Wealth Management, a team of investment professionals registered with HighTower Securities, LLC, member FINRA, MSRB and SIPC & High-Tower Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor with the SEC. All securities are offered through HighTower Securities, LLC and advisory services are offered through HighTower Advisors, LLC.

DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS SUPPORT THE DRI Bob Dooley is no stranger to the Diabetes Research Institute, having been a supporter since 1979. His interest was motivated by his son Robert’s diagnosis 49 years ago, before they moved to Florida. When he found an endocrinologist to treat his son, the physician recommended that he contact the DRI Foundation.

A member of the Florida Bar for 63 years and engaging in several business adventures, Bob’s business acumen provided him with resources to invest. Under the guidance of his other son, Bryan, who is an investment manager, he started an investment portfolio. “Bryan knew what he was doing and the value increased,” he proudly stated.

Bob wanted to find a way to transfer highly appreciated stock, gain tax benefits, and then be able to disperse the funds to charities that he was interested in supporting. He learned that a donor-advised fund with the Broward Continued on Page 8

BE THE HERO… BECOME A DIABETES DIPLOMAT! Diabetes Diplomats are a league of students, teachers, parents, grandparents and other family members and friends who are taking the search for a cure into their own hands. They come from all over the world and serve as advocates, educators and event fundraisers in their schools, neighborhoods and online. Some have diabetes. Some don’t. But they have all decided to “Be the Hero” by helping to find a cure for this disease that affects more than 29 million children and adults in the U.S. alone.

Cycle for Lanie

Dancing for Diabetes

A group of 50 dedicated cyclists raised almost $18,000 in May for the DRI during the Cycle for Lanie event – a 40-mile bike ride through the five boroughs of New York City. The 1 Boritz, White, Spiegel, and Reeps Families, along with Elmwood Day Camp and Aimee Skier, organized the ride and a sponsored celebratory lunch at the end for attendees and their loved ones. The event’s annual “Aimee Award,” which recognizes outstanding supporters and is named after Aimee for her selflessness and generosity, was awarded to rider Hillari Boritz. The Cycle for Lanie event is done in loving memory of Lanie White, who lost her battle with diabetes, and helps fund the important research at the DRI to help others like Lanie's sister Renee, who also lives with type 1 diabetes.

The volunteers, along with Jeff Ackerman and Lainie’s parents, Rhoda and Donald White, are the other organizers of this event.

Elizabeth Stein has a love for dance, and she’s managed to turn that passion into a successful event and nonprofit organization that is raising critical dollars for research. Diagnosed with type 1 at age 10, Elizabeth is committed to supporting the DRI and a cure for diabetes.

She founded Dancing for Diabetes in order to spread awareness through the art of dance and raise funds for a cure. Each year, the organization hosts a dance performance and 3 benefit in Sanford, FL, featuring nationally recognized performers who create an evening of entertainment and hope. DRIF Vice President Tom Karlya expressed his excitement about Dancing for Diabetes. “I had the opportunity to see Elizabeth in action at CWD’s Friends for Life conference in Orlando. She is amazing, and I loved watching her work with so many young people. I am thoroughly convinced that together we will see this event spread to other cities.”

Biking for a Cure DiaBEAT THIS! The 4th annual DiaBEAT THIS! was held this spring at West Broward High School (WBHS) in Florida. The school's Student Organization of Anatomy & Physiology, or SOAP, organized the evening's events of diabetes education, a tournament basketball game, and many other activities to benefit the DRI. WBHS Science teacher Maria Muniz and SOAP created the event to raise awareness, and she is quick to add that the kids organize the entire evening each year. SOAP members came to the DRI to present a check, tour the Institute and speak to the researchers. More than $11,000 was donated from this extremely engaged group of young people.

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Keith Adwar and David Newman are philanthropic at heart and especially want to see a cure for diabetes in their lifetime. They’ve participated in multiple cycling events raising money for various organizations, and this year their efforts supported the 4 cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute. Team Adwar Newman, which included 60 cyclists, rode their bikes a distance of 60 miles throughout Nassau County in Long Island, NY. The event, called the Mansion Ride, as it explores the incredible waterfront mansions along the area’s Gold Coast, also supports the Ascent School for Autism. The team raised nearly $15,000 for the DRI, and simply put, “It was a GREAT DAY,” said Keith.

It’s plain to see that whether you are a child, a college student, a professional, or a retiree, when you create a fundraiser for the Diabetes Research Institute, you will Be the Hero to everyone who is hoping for a cure. As Tom Karlya always says, “Just don’t do nothing.” Email him at TomKarlya@drif.org today to get started! You’re never too old or too young to join the Diabetes Diplomats!

1) Aimee Skier and Hillari Boritz pose for a picture after partaking in the 2015 Cycle for Lanie. 2) The S.O.A.P. Club presented a check of the funds raised from their DiaBEAT This! event to faculty and staff at the DRI. 3) The logo for the annual Dancing for Diabetes event and nonprofit. 4) Event team leaders Keith Adwar and David Newman after cycling in Long Island to raise funds for a diabetes cure.

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A FAMILY THAT GIVES TOGETHER The Waller family is determined to make an impact in the search for a cure. Their involvement with the Diabetes Research Institute dates back to 1989 when Roberta and Bruce Waller’s daughter, Dara Melnick, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

“When your child is diagnosed with diabetes, you feel so helpless,” stated Roberta, who as a young mom reached out to another diabetes organization in her area to get involved and find support. But it was her father, Rowland Schaefer, who introduced them to the DRI. Bruce explained, “My father-in-law made Dara a promise that he would find a place that could cure her diabetes. He believed in the vision and the research being conducted at the DRI.” Dara recalled being at the DRI’s dedication ceremony when she was just a little girl. “I remember watching my grandparents cutting the ribbon to open the new building. It was an honor to be there with them then and to watch the DRI continue to grow over the years,” she said.

Rowland and his wife, Sylvia, who both passed away in 2013, will forever be remembered as two of the organizations most generous donors.

In honor of their support, the DRI building bears their name, and in 2014 the Northeast’s Crystal Ball renamed one of its annual honors as the Rowland and Sylvia Schaefer Award. The inaugural recipient was the scientist leading the way to a cure, Dr. Camillo Ricordi, director of the DRI.

Roberta and Bruce have continued that legacy through major donations to the organization, as well as being actively involved in multiple events as committee members and sponsors. Their family serves as the Underwriting Sponsors for both the Crystal Ball and Fall Into Fashion, and Roberta has worked on the committees of both events. Bruce serves on the DRI Foundation’s National Board of Directors and co-chairs the Crystal Ball, along with his sister, Wendy Waller. Wendy has co-chaired past events like Champions for Charity, Wedding Veil Walk for a Cure and Fall Into Fashion. All three are members of the Northeast Board of Directors. And following in their footsteps, Dara attends fundraising events with her husband, Jeremy Melnick, and she co-chaired Champions for Charity in 2014.

“The goal is to raise as much money as we can in order to find a cure for diabetes, and that’s why we support the DRI. It’s something that is worth all of the time and effort that we all put into it,” said Wendy.

“Plus, I love working with all of the people involved on the committees and on the board. It’s truly a team effort.”

“We feed off the strength of doing this together,” Roberta added.

“Being in New York, we don’t see the researchers every day. But when I put my finger on the pulse of what’s really happening at the DRI, and I speak to Dr. Ricordi and others at the Institute, I get charged knowing that we are very close. We all share the same dream of a cure.”

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1. Roberta and Bruce Waller with Wendy Waller.

2. Dara and Jeremy Melnick.

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Have you changed your email address recently? You might be missing some important E-news updates! Please call our office at 1-800-321-3437 or send an email to info@drif.org so that we can update your record.

DONOR LEVEL

AWARD

Visionaries Chairman’s Council Leadership Council Governors’ Society Distinguished Humanitarians Grand Founders Founders Benefactors

$10,000,000+ $5,000,000+ $1,000,000+ $500,000+

Innovation Validation Perpetuation Translation

$250,000+ $100,000+ $50,000+ $25,000+

Realization Exploration Hypothesis Query

FOUNDATION DONORS RECOGNIZED Awards from the DRI Foundation’s Cycle of Discovery series were presented to donors who recently made major gifts. The award program corresponds with the Foundation’s cumulative giving designations. Awards were presented individually and at Foundation events.

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PERPETUATION AWARD: Carole and Barry Kaye (1).

REALIZATION AWARD: Lois and Dr. Richard Robbins of the Max and Yetta Karasik Family Foundation (2).

HYPOTHESIS AWARD: Dalia Glottmann (3), Debbie Lang and Barry Smith (4).

QUERY AWARD: Marion Fisher-Nathan with DRIF's Josh Rednik and DRI's Gary Kleiman(5), Susan and Greg Levy (6), Pamela and Joseph Lubeck (7).

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO INSERRA SUPERMARKETS Inserra Supermarkets, a family-owned business operating many ShopRite stores in the Northeast, has been running in-store collections annually for the Diabetes Research Institute raising much-needed funds for the DRI’s scientists. The Inserra family is deeply involved with the DRI and Foundation. Bonnie Inserra serves as secretary of the DRIF's National Board of Directors, and her daughter, Lindsey Inserra-Hughes, vice president of corporate health and wellness, is on the Northeast Region Board. As a token of appreciation, Tom Karlya, DRIF vice president, presented a very special award to Lindsey and store manager Peter Cavo, along with Larry Inserra (second from right), who accepted on behalf of all the participating stores. The framed “Keep Calm and Cure Diabetes” T-shirt was autographed personally by dozens of children with type 1 diabetes.

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BIOHUB TRIAL TRANSPLANT

(Continued from cover)

when islets are implanted in the liver or in other sites with immediate contact to the blood. If these results can be confirmed, this can be the beginning of a new era in islet transplantation. Our ultimate goal is to include additional technologies to prevent the need for life-long anti-rejection therapy,” Dr. Ricordi continued.

this stage. It’s a unique site, the surgery is very simple and the patient recovers very quickly. We will continue until our final goal – islet transplantation without immunosuppression,” adds Rodolfo Alejandro, M.D., professor of medicine and director of the DRI Clinical Cell Transplant Program.

The omentum is a highly vascularized tissue covering abdominal organs.

The donor islets were implanted within a biodegradable scaffold, one of the platforms for a DRI BioHub, made by combining the patient's own blood plasma with thrombin, a commonly used, clinical-grade enzyme. Together, these substances create a gel-like material that sticks to the omentum and holds the islets in place. The omentum is then folded over around the biodegradable scaffold mixture.

Over time, the body will absorb the gel, leaving the islets intact, while new blood vessels are formed to provide critical oxygen and other nutrients that support the cells’ survival. This pilot trial will include the immunosuppressive regimen currently used for clinical islet transplantation studies and will be limited to a small group of participants.

In type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing islets cells of the pancreas have been mistakenly destroyed by the immune system, requiring patients to manage their blood sugar levels through a daily regimen of insulin therapy. Islet transplantation has allowed some patients to live without the need for insulin injections after receiving a transplant of donor cells. Some patients who have received islet transplants at the DRI have been insulin independent for more than a decade, as DRI researchers have published.

“As any type 1 knows, you live on a very structured schedule. I do a mental checklist every day in my head…glucose tabs, food, glucometer, etc., and then I stop and say, ‘WOW! I don’t have to plan that anymore.’

Laying down at night and going to sleep and not having to worry about lows is something that is so foreign to me. It’s surreal to me…I’m still processing the fact that I’m not taking insulin anymore,” said Wendy, who was a candidate for the DRI’s clinical trial because she suffered with severe hypoglycemia unawareness, a complication of diabetes in which patients are unable to sense that their blood glucose is dropping to dangerously low levels. People with hypoglycemia unawareness often become disoriented, lose consciousness or go into convulsions. It may even lead to death.

Currently, islet cells are infused into the liver, but many of the cells do not survive in that environment. “The liver is a very simple site to access, but we have known for years that it’s not the ideal site. And the liver will not accommodate a device for housing the islets,” explained Dr. Alejandro.

To learn more about the DRI’s clinical trial and the transplant procedure, please visit DiabetesResearch.org/DRItv. The research projects that comprise the DRI BioHub receive philanthropic support from the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. Funding for the DRI BioHub is also provided by other sources, including JDRF, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), University of Miami, pharmaceutical companies, and additional corporate and philanthropic partners. For more information on the development of the BioHub, visit DiabetesResearch.org/BioHub.

“We’re quite excited. This has been the best outcome we have seen at

DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS

(Continued from page 4)

Community Foundation, now called the Community Foundation of Broward (CFB), would provide that vehicle. He received a tax benefit the year the gift was made and then he was afforded the ability to designate gifts from the fund at his discretion. The tax benefit and the philanthropy issues were two separate issues, yet the first action enabled the ongoing actions. The funds are professionally managed, and usually grow. In Bob’s case, the amount in his fund has grown considerably, and he has been able to increase his generosity to many organizations.

"belong" to the donor, in this case Bob. He is not required to make any additional gifts to the fund. In some planning instruments, there is a required minimum distribution. This is not the case with a donor-advised fund. Bob recommends that the CFB make specific donations through his fund to one or more charities. Invariably they honor his requests. In addition, the managers (in this case the CFB) of a donor-advised fund can recommend other charities for the donor to support. When he passes away, the entire fund is dispersed at the discretion of the CFB.

The original gift to the CFB to establish this donor-advised fund was made up of stock, as were subsequent gifts, so the funds no longer

Bob also has a daughter who lives in Florida and four wonderful grandchildren. His passion now is travel, and it takes some careful plan-

ning to catch him in between cruises and other trips to many areas around the world.

Full of energy, he is known for his almost nonstop dancing at the annual Love and Hope Preview Party and Ball. Bob commented, “You never know how long you’re going be here, so you might as well enjoy it while you can. It sure beats the alternative.” His sense of humor and zest for life make him a pleasure to be around.

Bob defined how he feels about contributing to worthwhile charities by quoting another philanthropist he knew who said, “We don’t give to be blessed; we are blessed because we give.” Bob Dooley truly believes in that philosophy, and the DRI Foundation is blessed to have him as a supporter.

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE WITH DR. DORA BERMAN-WEINBERG, PH.D.

As you read in the cover story, Wendy Peacock was able to discontinue her insulin therapy after receiving an infusion of islet cells within the omentum as part of the DRI's pilot clinical trial. While Wendy is the first patient to undergo this novel procedure, the DRI has been performing islet transplants in the liver for decades. Many of these patients' donor cells are functioning for 10 years or more, demonstrating that islet transplantation can restore natural insulin production.

With this latest trial, a first step toward developing the BioHub, the DRI is working to make this procedure available to millions of children and adults. Among the major challenges is the ability to sustain the survival of the transplanted islets without the need for harsh anti-rejection drugs.

Dr. Dora Berman-Weinberg, research associate professor of surgery and member of the DRI’s Cell Transplant Center, is one of our scientists largely involved in the development and testing of new strategies to make the immune system tolerant of transplanted insulin-producing cells. Much of her research is focused in the preclinical phase of testing, in which promising results are then translated to people living with type 1 diabetes. She has also been integrally involved in the development of the biodegradable scaffold, one of the BioHub platforms being tested in this new pilot trial.

Q. What is your area of research at the DRI? A. I work with Dr. Norma Kenyon and the overall goal of our team is to define strategies that allow us to cure type 1 diabetes through islet cell transplantation. To date, any form of transplant requires the use of life-long drugs that suppress the entire immune system. This is done to prevent immune destruction of the transplanted tissue, but also places the individual at risk for undesired side effects.

We use a preclinical model so that promising approaches can be rapidly translated directly into pilot clinical trials. We test the most promising agents that have been identified thus far, including testing extra-hepatic sites [outside of the liver] for islet implantation.

We also collaborate with our DRI colleagues and other national and international scientists who have any new ideas/approaches to enhance the engraftment and survival of islet or other insulin-producing cells.

Q. You have been working with Dr. Kenyon on co-transplanting MSCs with islets to prolong their survival. What is status of that research?

A. Dr. Kenyon was awarded a program project from the NIH to pursue work involving the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to enhance cellular and solid organ engraftment.

The program involves the University of Illinois in Chicago (Dr. Amelia Bartholomew, kidney

transplant model), the U of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign (Dr. Kenton McHenry, data mining and analysis) and the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla (Dr. Daniel Salomon, genomics). The goal of the islet transplant project is to define the impact of the MSC source (from an islet donor, islet recipient or unrelated third party) on islet transplant survival, to verify that MSCs can reverse rejection episodes and to utilize the knowledge gained to develop a clinical protocol. The work has gone well, and we have begun discussions with Drs. Camillo Ricordi and Rodolfo Alejandro to outline what a clinical protocol should look like.

Q. You were also very involved in the development of the biodegradable scaffold.

Can you tell us how that idea developed?

A. I had attended the Annual Meeting of the American Transplant Congress to present a poster on the preclinical transplantation of islets within a synthetic scaffold placed in an omental pouch. While there, I learned of another interesting approach using a blood plasma clot. I thought the concept of using blood from the recipient to create a biological scaffold held a good deal of promise and wanted to consider testing a similar approach in our models.

Serendipitously, while we were already performing some tests in our lab, I happened to accompany my husband to have a dental

implant and learned that dentists have been using patients’ own blood to create a gel that helps with bone grafting in these procedures.

This corroborated the idea that biological scaffolds could also be beneficial for islet cell implants.

We developed our own unique strategy and then tested the approach in a preclinical model. The results were very encouraging and supported the feasibility and clinical translational potential of the approach. As it often happens in science, this was indeed a team effort, validating the notion that “it takes a village.”

Q. What are the latest results of your research using the omentum?

A. The current site for clinical islet transplantation is the liver, however the liver has several disadvantages that result in loss of functional islet mass. The omentum meets the requirements for a successful alternative site for islet transplant. Our data show that islets transplanted within a plasma-thrombin resorbable gel onto the omentum engraft and survive. A clinical pilot trial is underway at the DRI to translate our findings to the clinic and explore the safety and efficacy of this approach in patients with T1D under standard immunosuppression.

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AROUND

THE DRI DRI RESEARCHERS RECOGNIZED WITH MULTIPLE AWARDS 1

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Several of the DRI’s faculty members have received prestigious awards this year from the University of Miami in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments and innovative research projects aimed at curing type 1 diabetes.

The University of Miami’s Faculty Senate has awarded the Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award, its highest honor, to Dr. Jay Skyler for his groundbreaking type 1 diabetes research.

Dr. Skyler, who serves as professor of medicine, pediatrics, and psychology at UM’s Miller School of Medicine and deputy director for Clinical Research and Academic Programs at the DRI, has dedicated a lifetime to scientific inquiry and the advancement of diabetes care and management.

Dr. Skyler, whose career in diabetes spans over four decades, has continued to make significant contributions to the field, pioneering key standards of diabetes management and creating the framework for multi-center clinical trials.

His countless professional achievements have transformed the patient care paradigm and affected many individuals in life-changing ways.

Dr. Juan Dominguez-Bendala, director of stem cell development, and his team have pioneered 4 the use of a non-invasive approach (not involving genetic manipulation) to convert the nonendocrine (acinar) tissue of the pancreas into insulin-producing cells using an FDA-approved molecule that is already in clinical use for other conditions. Armed with encouraging preliminary data, Dr. Dominguez-Bendala has submitted a grant application to the National Institutes of Health in order to build upon this exciting research initiative. In recognition of this innovative project, which aims to address the cell supply challenge, Dr. Dominguez-Bendala has received the Dean’s Award, which provides

the funding needed to procure additional data that will support their NIH grant request.

Three DRI scientists were among only five UM investigators selected to receive the 2015 Stanley J. Glaser Foundation Research Award in recognition of their promising scientific initiatives. The DRI awardees are each pursuing avenues related to curing type 1 diabetes by inhibiting the immune system’s attack on insulin-producing cells. The generous funding provided by the award will help support their work over the next year.

Utilizing his team’s “Living Window” approach – using the anterior chamber of the eye to observe cell processes in a living organism in real time – Dr. Midhat Abdulreda, assistant professor of surgery, is working to understand the mechanisms involved in the rejection of transplanted islet cells with the goal of improving the long term survival of the cells.

Dr. Allison Bayer, research assistant professor in the department of microbiology and immunology, is investigating a subset of immune system cells, Regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are responsible for preventing the immune system’s attack on the body’s own cells and tissues. An imbalance in the levels of Tregs can lead to autoimmunity.

Dr. Bayer’s research focuses on correcting this deficiency.

Dr. Chris Fraker, research assistant professor of surgery and cell transplantation, is focusing on the root cause of autoimmunity by studying a population of immune system cells, called Natural Killer cells (NK cells), and the effect viruses have on manipulating their function. His research is shedding new light on a hypothesis that has never before been investigated in the context of autoimmunity.

1. Jay Skyler, M.D. 2. Juan Dominguez-Bendala, Ph.D. 3. Midhat Abdulreda, M.S., Ph.D. 4. Allison Bayer, Ph.D and Chris Fraker, Ph.D.

DRI RESEARCHERS PUBLISH IN LEADING PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS

Skyler Comments in JAMA The results of a small study conducted by researchers in Germany showed preliminary evidence that high doses of oral insulin may prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes in high-risk children. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), was accompanied by an editorial from Dr. Jay Skyler, DRI’s deputy director for Clinical Research and Academic Programs, in which he commented on the various therapies that have been tested in the hopes of preventing the destruction of insulin-producing cells.

While this latest study demonstrated that “oral exposure to insulin can promote a protective regulatory T-cell response,” Dr. Skyler said that several questions still need to be addressed in a definitive trial. “It is now possible to identify children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes at birth. What is missing are interventions to arrest this process prior to irreversible damage to the pancreatic beta cell.”

Study Sheds Light on How Diabetes Develops Drs. Per-Olof Berggren, head of cell biology and signal transduction and Mary Lou Held Visiting Scientist at the DRI and director of the Rolf Luft Diabetes Center at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, and Midhat Abdulreda, assistant professor of surgery at the DRI, and their teams have revealed new evidence on a mechanism that contributes to failure and death of the insulin-producing beta cells during development of diabetes. The study, conducted in rodent models, was published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Ten years ago, the same team, led by Dr. Berggren and Dr. Lisa JunttiBerggren, professor of endocrinology and a practicing diabetologist, discovered that apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) is elevated in the blood of type 1 diabetes patients, which produces excessive activation of certain calcium channels in the beta cells, causing their failure to release insulin and eventual death. In this recent study, the researchers show that apoCIII is also involved in type 2 diabetes and that the effect of apoCIII can be prevented by blocking the affected calcium channels. This may guide new therapeutic interventions to prevent beta cell deterioration during disease progression in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

New Findings Support the Use of IL-2 Therapy in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Drs. Alberto Pugliese, professor of medicine, immunology and microbiology and head of the DRI’s Immunogenetics Program, and Thomas Malek, professor and vice-chair of microbiology and immunology at UM’s Miller School of Medicine, have conducted studies showing that low doses of the protein Interleukin-2 (IL-2) can boost the levels of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), cells of the immune system that suppress autoimmunity. IL-2 is also critical for the function of effector cells, whose job is to remove pathogens or cancer cells. In fact, high doses of IL-2 have been used to stimulate effector cells in the treatment of various cancers.

Because of the dual activity of IL-2, it was important for the researchers to establish a therapeutic dosing range that would stimulate the Tregs but not the effector cells. In their latest study, published in Diabetes, Drs. Pugliese and Malek discovered that Tregs respond to a 10-fold lower dose of IL-2, providing them with critical data for new therapeutic approaches.

“Mother Nature has equipped the effector cells and the regulatory cells with different internal machinery to process the IL-2 signal, such that they respond in different dose ranges. This understanding allows us to design trials based on the administration of low doses of IL-2 that selectively stimulate the regulatory cells and should suppress autoimmunity. This kind of therapy is really immunoregulation, rather than immunosuppression, and we hope it could be a major therapeutic benefit for patients with type 1 diabetes,” said Dr. Pugliese.

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1. Per-Olof Berggren, Ph.D., 2. Thomas Malek, Ph.D. 3. Alberto Pugliese, M.D.

"This adds another piece to the puzzle of this multifaceted disease, diabetes. We hope to leverage this new information to help preserve beta cell mass in type 1 and type 2 diabetes," says Dr. Abdulreda.

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WHY DO YOU GIVE?

THE HEARTFELT QUESTION OF WORKPLACE GIVING The act of giving to charitable organizations is a very personal matter.

For some, the impetus might stem from learning about staggering numbers, like the fact that there are 29 million Americans and 387 million people worldwide living with diabetes. Typically, however, it’s not about these startling statistics. Most people make their giving decisions based on their heart. So, when posed with the question “Why do you give?" everyone is likely to have a unique reason for contributing. But for the donors who support the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, we’ve found that every single one of them wants to help find a cure for diabetes – because that’s what we’re all about.

As the time nears for workplace giving campaigns and the Combined Federal Campaign to begin, remember why it is that you give to the DRI Foundation. Share your reasons with colleagues who might not have a particular connection to a cause but who are personally connected to you – and want to support you and your loved ones in finding a cure for diabetes. Look for our listing in your employer’s charity guide or write in “Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.” For CFC participants, use number #11149 or look under the Health 1st America’s Charities Federation. Got questions? Please contact us at 1-800-321-3437 or info@drif.org for more information.

When asked “Why do you give?” Richard Hammon, grandfather of Jax, 4, responded: “I have type 2 diabetes and know what it’s like to live with this life-threatening disease. But when my grandson was diagnosed with type 1, it really hit me. We need to find a cure, and we need to find it now. That’s why I support the DRI.”

#11149

LET ME COUNT THE WAYS TO GIVE Your generous support is so critical and so appreciated! There are many ways that you can help the Diabetes Research Institute find a cure.

Here are a few examples of easy ways to give, and we have additional ideas posted on our website at DiabetesResearch.org/Ways-to-Give.

Recurring Gifts A recurring gift can make a big impact. It’s a great way to provide a significant contribution toward the DRI’s cure-focused research through smaller installments that can be made on a monthly or quarterly basis, or whatever is most comfortable for you. Additionally, it delivers a steady stream of reliable funding that the scientists can count on. If you would like to set up a recurring gift, please call the DRI Foundation office at 1-800-321-3437.

Corporate Matching Gifts Many companies match charitable contributions made by their employees. It’s a great way for you to maximize your gift to the DRI. Programs vary from company to company, but typically employees

can get a matching gift form from the Human Resources department.

After completing the form, send it along with your personal donation to the DRI Foundation. We’ll take it from there! It’s an easy way to multiply your contribution. Find out if your company has a matching gift program by checking with your HR or personnel department.

Tribute Gifts A tribute gift made in memory of a loved one who has passed or in honor of a person or a special occasion is a meaningful way to recognize someone while supporting the critical work of the DRI. Whether you’re keeping treasured memories alive or celebrating accomplishments, it’s a great way to show how much you care. The gift is also tax-deductible.

Learn more at DiabetesResearch.org/Tribute-Gift or call 1-800-321-3437.

THE BUILDING TRADES “CHECK IN” WITH

ANNUAL LABOR OF LOVE WEEKEND AND D.A.D.S DAY INITIATIVES 1

Beneath the logo of North America’s Building Trades Unions, it reads: Value on Display. Every Day. All of us here at the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation can attest to the truth of that statement; throughout the year the men and women of the Building Trades spend their time, thought and energy to further our mission of finding a cure.

Through the annual Labor of Love and Softball Slam and D.A.D.s Day campaign (Dollars Against Diabetes), the Building Trades have raised millions for the scientists at the DRI, and this past year has proven to be one of the most successful yet.

According to Building Trades President Sean McGarvey, due to the support of host Caesars Entertainment and several other extremely generous sponsors, the 2015 Labor of Love allowed them to “provide the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation with our single largest gift to date.” And without a moment’s rest, he added, “We sincerely hope that you will all join us once again in 2016!”

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The much-anticipated weekend, which was held on this past June, featured a list of fun activities, including golf, fishing, Texas Hold'em, a clay shooting tournament and a softball slam. There is always something for everyone at Labor of Love, and all those involved left with a feeling of pride and true accomplishment.

At the annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., members of both IUBAC of New Jersey Local 4 and 5, and Ironworkers Local 433 Los Angeles and Las Vegas were recognized for their D.A.D.s Day efforts this year. Additionally, we’d like to offer special thanks to each and every Building Trades Union that participated in their own D.A.D.s Day events, which occur at different times throughout the year. Every dollar you raise helps get the Diabetes Research Institute one step closer to a cure.

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Furthermore, to every member of our Building Trades partners, we can’t thank you enough for sticking to that heartfelt motto and showing the world exactly what it means.Value on Display. Every Day. 1) Building Trades President Sean McGarvey (center) and Secretary-Treasurer Brent Booker (far left) are joined by others onstage at their annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Checks in the amounts of $23,750 and $28,765 were presented to DRIF President and CEO Josh Rednik, Vice President Tom Karlya (second and third from left) and DRI Director Dr. Camillo Ricordi (far right). 2) IBEW Local 26 President Butch Ramos (left) and Business Manager Chuck Graham (right) of Washington, D.C., present a check for $28,100 during the banquet at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt, MD. Held on June 1, 2015, this DAD's Day Golf Outing was held at Glenn Dale Golf Courses and the Courses at Andrews Air Force Base. 3) Members of Caesars Entertainment present their annual check to Sean McGarvey and Brent Booker at the annual Labor of Love weekend. Donating $1.00 per night stay for labor events, the properties run by Caesars have raised more than $1 million for the DRI since inception. 4) At the Building Trades Annual Labor of Love Tournament, President McGarvey and Secretary-Treasurer Booker present a check in the amount of $375,000 to DRIF’s Tom Karlya and Josh Rednik.

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A BIG HELP FROM HILTON HOTELS Christian Jones, director of Labor Sales-Hilton Worldwide, and Carolyn Horton, director of National Accounts at the Diplomat Hotel and Spa, toured the Diabetes Research Institute and were given the opportunity to speak with researchers like Dr. Juan Dominguez-Bendala (pictured). Hilton Hotels is part of the relationship with North America's Building Trades Unions and donates $1.00 per room night to the DRI due to their agreement with labor events at Hilton Hotels. So far, over $175,000 has been donated!

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WHAT YOUR TEEN WANTS YOU TO KNOW As parents, sometimes we forget what it’s like to be a teenager. In addition, unless we have T1D ourselves, we have no idea what dealing with diabetes is like in a world that is already full of intense emotions, dramatic mood swings, developmental changes and peer pressure. The idea of “fitting in” is made more complicated dealing with everything that comes along with managing T1D. Knowing all of this, should we really be surprised when a simple question like, "What is your number?" elicits the gamut of expressions – from eye rolling to a catastrophic response of epic proportions?! It’s about balance and boundaries.

Diabetes during the teen years should not be a flyby-the-seat-of-your-pants attitude. There are things to know and things you can do to help you both through these tough years. Although parents tend to wear proudly the title of diabetes police, Teenager to parent: “I don’t want people to your teens want the comsee me as fragile or sick. I can do anything plete opposite. We want that people without diabetes can do, even if it our teens to become indetakes some creative problem solving.” pendent, but we also have a strong need to feel connected and know that they are safe. So, the real question should be, how can we avoid these frustrating scenarios yet still have a peripheral involvement in their diabetes management?

According to the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, parents need to understand the nuances of diabetes etiquette. It’s often a fine line between caring – but not caring too much – and being involved – but not all up in their faces about diabetes. Yes…it can be a very fine line. To keep you from teetering over the edge, here are a few things to remember:

FANTASY AT THE FONTAINEBLEAU

1. Stop trying to scare your teen with diabetes statistics.

They know. And they’ve heard about all the possible complications before. However, unless it’s relevant to their lives now, these waydown-the-road risks are probably not going to make an impact.

2. When blood sugars run high, don’t assume you’re teen has done something stupid (even though she/he might have).

Even when you do everything right, blood sugars can be inconsistent and unpredictable. It’s the nature of this unfair disease. No sense harping on the past; work with your child to figure out what to do in the moment and moving forward.

3. Don’t tell everyone that your kid has diabetes, especially not during the first minute of meeting someone new.

Even though there’s absolutely no reason for it, teenagers are typically going to be embarrassed (of anything you do or say regardless of diabetes). But let them have the chance to tell others that they have T1D…when they’re ready.

4. Recognize that perfection in diabetes care doesn’t exist.

It’s natural that a high blood sugar reading or poor food choices are going to make parents nervous. Control will never be perfect, and in fact, our own bodies don’t regulate blood sugars “perfectly” either. So, remember to give your kid a pat on the back for the things they are doing well.

5. Don’t be the food police.

According to the Diabetes Research Institute’s Amy Kimberlain, a registered dietitian, people with T1D are taught that they are allowed to eat any food they want. “Their insulin-to-carb ratio is what I utilize to allow patients to have a better understanding when teaching them how to cover for the food that they are eating,” she said. So, remember that good diabetes control is doable even if your teen isn’t making the healthiest of food choices.

Want to know more? Check out the Behavioral Diabetes Institute’s website (BehavioralDiabetesInstitute.org) to order the complete pocket-size pamphlet, “Diabetes Etiquette for Parents,” among other printed materials about the unique relationship between diabetes and psychology.

SOURCE: Behavioral Diabetes Institute

Love and Hope will return to its glory days at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, where the Love and Hope Ball was held for 29 years. Featuring a whole new vibe and a new name, Fantasy at the Fontainebleau will be a tantalizing treat for the senses. Steeped in history, splendor and luxury, the hotel is situated in the heart of “Millionaire’s Row” and is home to the famed LIV nightclub, the hottest and trendiest spot in town with the appeal of an ultra-exclusive lounge and a high-energy dance club.

Guests can expect an alluring spectacle of entertainment at the cocktail party, which will be held at LIV starting at 6 p.m., followed at 8:00 p.m. by Love and Hope’s signature dinner, dancing, auctions and more in the hotel’s glamorous Sparkle Ballroom. Join us on February 6, 2016 for the event that everyone is sure to be talking about! Learn more at DiabetesResearch.org/Love-and-Hope-Ball.

EDUCATION EMPOWERS PATIENTS One of the most challenging parts of diabetes management is the fact that patients have to make so many decisions – every day – on their own. How many carbohydrates are in this meal? How much insulin should I take? What adjustments do I need to make?

At the Education Center, located on the first floor of the Diabetes Research Institute, patients learn how to make these decisions – with knowledge and confidence. Led by an expert team of certified diabetes educators, nutrition specialists and physicians, 10 comprehensive diabetes classes are held in English and Spanish each month, and offered to patients and families affected by type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

ROMANCE READERS FALL FOR LIMITED-EDITION BOOK SETS, HELP RAISE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR RESEARCH

“Individual education sessions are geared toward tackling specific issues that a person feels is unique to them, whereas the classroom setting offers the chance to learn in a more organized and comprehensive way,” said Della Matheson, RN, CDE, director of education at the DRI. “Often people tell us they were resistant to taking the classes because they felt they knew ‘everything they needed to know;’ they were surprised at how much new information they learned.”

Each class offers patients a sense of empowerment, but none more so than the DRI’s hallmark course, Mastering Your Diabetes (MYD) – a four-day, intensive insulin management program featuring a high-energy, interactive teaching approach. One patient said that the MYD class “completely changed my life” and a mother who attended summer’s kids’ class with her child said, “It was truly an amazing experience!

Everyone at the DRI shows their dedication, knowledge, experience, patience, and willingness to share, and it all comes from the heart.”

Della added, “The classroom setting offers the opportunity to not only have your specific questions answered, but also to hear it in a fuller context which creates a richer learning experience.”

If you are looking to increase flexibility in your everyday life and improve your diabetes management (or your child’s), then taking a class might be just what you need to become the leader of your health care team. Learn more about all of the classes offered at the DRI at DiabetesResearch.org/Diabetes-Management-Classes or contact the education team directly at 305-243-3696.

1. Dr. Bresta Miranda-Palma, interim director of the Kosow Treatment Center at the DRI, leads a discussion at the Mastering Your Diabetes Program.

2. During summer’s MYD session for kids, students get a tour of the research labs and pose for a selfie with Dr. Juan Dominguez-Bendala (back right).

D-mom and New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak (right), along with more than 30 fellow bestselling and indie authors, wooed and thrilled thousands of readers this summer with a recent limited-edition digital book series. The Sweet Talk, Sweet Dreams, and Sweet Seduction sets each included brand new romance and suspense stories from popular authors from each genre and were priced at $9.99 (less than $1 a story), with all the proceeds benefiting the work of the Diabetes Research Institute. The special offer ended this past June and helped raise more than $125,000. Brenda, who has been a dedicated supporter of the DRI’s work for the past decade, began holding annual fundraisers after her 18-year-old son Thad’s (left) type 1 diabetes diagnosis when he was just a child. Brenda’s amazing efforts have helped raise more than $2.4 million for diabetes research to date.

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EVENTS Top Chef Star Sam Talbot And Miami’s Hottest Chefs Turn Up The Heat On Diabetes It was a foodie’s dream night at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, where more than 200 South Florida philanthropists gathered for Out of the Kitchen benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute. This unique culinary experience took local chefs out of some of Miami’s best restaurant kitchens and into a large hotel ballroom, where they each simultaneously created gourmet three-course meals table side for guests – which included former Miami HEAT star Ray Allen and his wife, Shannon, and CBS Miami news anchor Lisa Petrillo. The event was hosted by Bravo TV’s Top Chef Semifinalist and one of People’s 2012 Sexiest Men Alive Chef Sam Talbot, who has been living with type 1 diabetes since he was 12 years old.

The dining experience – which was chaired by Amy and Scott Greenwald and Tammy and Steve Klein – began with a VIP reception featuring fine wines, a specialty cocktail, appetizers from EPIC Hotel’s LILT Lounge and Chef Irie, and a Chef Talbot book-signing of The Sweet Life: Diabetes without Boundaries.

Participating chefs included Chef Co-chairs Executive Chef Dave Hackett of The Biltmore Coral Gables and Chef Dagan Stocks of J&G Grill, Chef Wolfgang Birk of Area 31 at the EPIC Miami, Chef Brad Kilgore of Alter, Chef Makoto Okuwa of Makoto, Chef Dustin Ward of BLT Prime, Chef Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant & Wine Bar, Chef Cesar Zapata of The Federal, Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli of Eating House Miami, Chef Sean Brasel of Meat Market Miami, Chef David Blonsky of Apeiro Kitchen & Bar, Chef Aaron Brooks of EDGE Steak & Bar, Chef Phil Bryant of The Local Craft Food and Drink, Chef Jeremiah Bullfrog of GastroPod, Chefs Christian Rassinoux and Gary Klinefelter of the Diplomat Prime, Chef Todd Erickson of Haven, and Chef Peter Masielloof CORSAIR by Scott Conant.

1. Joel Menzin, Shannon Allen, Event Host and Chef Sam Talbot, and NBA Star Ray Allen, 2. Event Co-Chairs Steve and Tammy Klein with their children, Carly and David, 3. Event Co-Chairs Amy and Scott Greenwald.

Guests also enjoyed live and silent auctions, a grand raffle for a dinner at Dolce Italian, and heartfelt testimonies about living with type 1 diabetes from Chef Talbot, the Kleins’ daughter, Carly, and Shannon and Ray Allen, whose son Walker has type 1 diabetes. And then a sweet ending to the night as guests were served family-style trays adorned with an assortment of tasty delights by St. Regis Pastry Chef Antonio Bachour.

A Gift of Love…A Gift of Hope Luncheon The ladies at the Palm Beach Auxiliary raised more than $114,000 at their 16th Annual A Gift of Love…A Gift of Hope Luncheon, which was held at the Polo Club of Boca Raton. Event Chairwomen (l-r) Renee Aronin, Gloria Katz, and Natalie Olstein welcomed 350 ladies to the sold-out luncheon, where they treated guests to an afternoon of private boutique shopping, card games, and raffles.

They also got a chance to hear how their support is helping the diabetes community directly from diabetes advocate and mom Megan Hollinger, whose daughter, Maeve, has type 1 diabetes, as well as from DRIF COO Deborah Chodrow. To date, the Palm Beach County Auxiliary has raised more than $600,000 for the DRI since its founding in 1998.

Love and Hope Ball Two-time Grammy winner Jon Secada (left) brought the romance to the 41st Annual Love and Hope Ball at the Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood on Valentine’s Day – which in combination with the annual Preview Party has raised more than $50 million to date, according to Executive Chairman Sandra Levy (right; pictured with music legend and Love and Hope International Chairman Barry Gibb). Along with Secada’s set, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, silent auction and five-course dinner and program hosted by WSVN Deco Drive Co-host Shireen Sandoval.

Honorees included: Humanitarian Honoree the late Shirley Harris, Honorary Chairmen Barbara and Norman Shapiro, Love Honorees Debbie Lang and Barry Smith, Hope Honorees The Simkins Family, and Gold Star Honoree Dalia Glottmann. Couples danced the night away to Soul Survivors and left with heart-shaped parting gifts courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour. Additional sponsors included: Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, Landmark Trust, Margarita and Rick Tonkinson and Miami Magazine.

DRI Walk for Diabetes Presented by Walgreens More than 8,000 people gathered for the 5th Annual DRI Walk for Diabetes & Family Fun Day, Presented by Walgreens – which has helped raise nearly $2 million to date. Two events took place simultaneously at Marlins Park in Miami and Tradition Square in Port St. Lucie. Participants enjoyed a fun-filled day that included outdoor games, face painting, live music, health screenings, giveaways and The Biggest Loser RunWalk Race Series chip-timed 5K and 10K, sponsored by The Biggest Loser Resort. Winner Toma Dobrosavljevic and finalist Sonya Jones from the NBC TV show cheered on those participating. Three lucky winners received a weeklong stay for two at The Biggest Loser Resort. Pictured: Market Vice President of Walgreens South Florida Roy Ripak and Walk Organizer Clint Smethurst, and DRIF COO Deborah Chodrow. Other top sponsors included Neutrogena Suncare, Coca-Cola, Island Planet, Pepsi, Red Bull, Frito-Lay, Chelly Cosmetics, Bettina, Omni Pod, and Gold Coast.

Kids’ Carnival for a Cure Disney Channel sensation Skai Jackson of the hit series Jessie thrilled hundreds of excited young fans at March’s Kids’ Carnival for a Cure at Dave & Buster’s at The Source Mall in Westbury, Long Island. Nearly 600 parents, children and their guests played video games, won prizes, and ate diabetes-friendly carnival food, all to help raise $130,000 for the cure-related research of the DRI. DJ Adam Buchwald (DJ Bucko) spun awesome tunes that got the crowd moving. And all of the kids walked away with goody-bags. Accolades go to hardworking committee and event Co-chairs Sheri Donaldson, Lauren and Steven Field, Frankie Lam, and Susan Rubenstein. Generous sponsors included The Field Family, Astoria Bank, Susan and Mitchell Rubenstein & Family, Firstrade Securities, Inc., Frankie and eJacqueline Lam, and Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Mandel.

Cooking for a Cure The 12th Annual Cooking for a Cure, honoring Myron Blumenfeld, was held at The View Grill, Glen Cove, on April 27, 2015 to benefit the DRI. The Cooking for a Cure Committee was led by Co-chairs, Nassau County Legislator and DRI Board Member Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (left) and Rebecca Castronova (right). The special evening, which featured gourmet delights, music by Chris Kinnear and a fabulous array of auction prizes, raised more than $14,000 for research at the DRI. Also pictured are Sue Herbst and Stacy McKenna.

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EVENTS

Crystal Ball

The 17th Annual Crystal Ball brought together hundreds of Long Island philanthropists at the Garden City Hotel – where more than $520,000 was raised for the DRI. The event paid tribute to Rowland and Sylvia Schaefer Honoree Gary Kleiman (to the left of DRIF President and CEO Josh Rednik, right), senior director of medical development at the DRI – who, along with his family, has supported and been involved in the Institute for decades. Gillin Family Humanitarian Award recipients Bruce and Rachel Siegel (left) were also recognized for their outstanding support.

Event Co-Chairs Bruce Waller and his sister Wendy Waller treated guests to a cocktail hour, food, dancing, a special auction and a Rolex Watch Grand Sweepstakes prize provided by London Jeweler. Sponsors included: Bruce and Roberta Waller & Family; The Manocherian Family; Mr. and Mrs. Allan L. Pashcow, Rachel and Bruce Siegel, Robert Moss/Long Island Pipe Supply, Inc.; and Rooms to Go Children’s Fund and Wendy Waller.

D.R.E.a.M.S. in the city The 10th Annual D.R.E.a.M.S in the city at The Pierre in New York City recently helped raise more than $600,000 for the DRI. Hosted by co-chairs Samantha Shanken Baker, Diane Cohen, Kim Dickstein, Bonnie Inserra (right), and Meryl Lieberman, the event was held in recognition of Donna and Ed Sirlin (left). The Sirlins were presented with the Foundation’s “Dare to Dream” award that night by Lindsey Inserra-Hughes (second from right), chair of the DRI Foundation’s Young Professionals group. Following some heartfelt testimonies and speeches, guests enjoyed an evening of dancing and fine dining with event MC Alan Kalter, the voice of Late Show with David Letterman. Event sponsors included: The Inserra Family, the Shanken Family Foundation, Donna and Ed Sirlin, and the Stacy Joy Goodman Memorial Foundation.

Don Strock Diabetes Golf Classic The 32nd Annual Don Strock Diabetes Classic drove in more than $135,000 for the DRI thanks to approximately 140 celebrity and amateur golfers including Miami Dolphins alumns Dan Marino, Nat Moore, and Kim Bokamper; other NFL pros; and TV personalities such as Miami HEAT ‘s Jason Jackson and Tony Fiorentino, and radio’s John “Footy” Cross. Event Hosts Don Strock (left) and Chairman Bruce Fishbein (right) of The Produce Connection treated attendees to an 18-hole tournament, followed by a cocktail hour and an awards dinner, plus live and silent auctions. The event also included a moving speech by Oscar Sotolongo Jr., the inspiration for this tournament after Strock and Fishbein met him 32 years ago. (See article on page 3.) The evening closed with trophy presentations for winning teams, the announcement of money board and raffle winners, and prizes for individual golf contests, and the check presentation to DRI Foundation COO Deborah Chodrow. Also pictured is Presenting Sponsor Arthur Hertz (center) of Dade Media.

Love and Hope Thank You Luncheon The Love and Hope Committee wrapped up an outstanding 41st year at their annual Thank You Luncheon held recently at Bal Harbor Tower. The unforgettable affair was graciously hosted by Barbara Herzberg.

Executive Chairman Sandra Levy (standing) congratulated the hard-working ladies of the committee on a fantastic year – which included November’s preview party and February’s Ball. Their efforts have helped raise more than $50-million to date for the DRI’s cure-focused research. In keeping with tradition, the luncheon ended with the Star Award presentation, which was given to Lenore Toby-Simmons (seated) for her tireless dedication and years of support to both the Love and Hope Committee and DRI. The Young Society of Love and Hope also took the time to announce that Sandra would be the honoree for their upcoming Haute Tea event on October 2, 2015.

Shell Key West Challenge The Shell Key West Fishing Challenge has helped raise more than $500,000 for the DRI thanks to the participation of hundreds of fishermen, Shell employees, wholesalers and corporate sponsors since its inception. This year, DRI’s Dr. Giacomo Lanzoni was one of the guest speakers at the three-day, deep-sea fishing competition – which took place April 23-26 on the beautiful waters surrounding Key West. The event, started by Jo and Hayden Blaylock, founder and CEO of Blaylock Oil Company, and continued today by daughter Crystal Blaylock Sanchez (center) began benefiting the DRI after Crystal’s son, Matthew Sanchez (right), was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Matthew’s younger brother, Cameron, is also pictured.

Buy In for a Cure Novices and experienced poker players alike had a great time at the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation’s Buy In for A Cure Texas Hold’em Tournament at The Garden City Hotel on June 18. Players joined in the excitement of the game and tried their luck and skill at becoming the tournament champion. The evening included prizes and a chance to win a trip to Cupecoy Beach Club in St. Maarten donated by the Ritter Family.

Players also enjoyed fabulous food, cigars, fine wines and spirits. More than $48,000 was raised for research at the DRI. Congratulations to Lance Steinberg for winning the tournament (pictured with John Carrion, left). A special thank you to our sponsors: Four of a Kind Sponsor John Carrion; Full House Sponsors Joseph Caiozzo, InterContinental Hotels Group, Allan L. Pashcow, Pronto Appraisal Management LLC, Chuck Ritter Universal Photonics, David Zinn, Zuckerman's Jewelry; Aces Loaded Sponsor Alonso Krangle LLP.

Sportsmen for Charity Sportsmen for Charity, a clay shooting event, was held on April 24, 2015 at the Pawling Mountain Club which is bordered by a 1500-acre expanse of the Appalachian Trail National Park. Under the leadership of Charlie Guigno and his volunteer committee, this year’s amount of $36,000 brings the total raised since the inception of this event to nearly $400,000. It was an outstanding success for the DRI and all the participants. Pictured are Philip Delorenzo, Mike Cafiero, Richard Heller, David Fried, Tony Childs, Charlie, and Gerry Spampanato.

Parlor Meetings Longtime DRI supporters Margarita and Rick Tonkinson and Jeanne and Ken Fibus recently hosted gatherings at their respective Florida homes to introduce friends, family, colleagues and others to the work of the Institute.

Guests got a chance to hear from Juan DominguezBendala Ph.D., director of Stem Cell Development for Translational Research, and Gary Kleiman, senior director of medical development, who spoke about the DRI BioHub and the work we’re doing to advance cure research for people with diabetes.

DRIF COO Deborah Chodrow also spoke about the role of the DRI Foundation during the Tonkinson meeting. Pictured in the first image are Deborah, Rick, Margarita, Gary and Dr. Dominguez-Bendala. Pictured in the second image are Ken, Jeanne, Gary, Randi Fibus Caster, who is an islet transplant recipient, and Josh Rednik.

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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

For information on the events or to make reservations, visit DiabetesResearch.org or call one of the DRI Foundation offices listed below.

CALENDAR All In for a Cure November 3, 2015 / NEW YORK To be held at the Grand Havana Room, the eighth annual Texas Hold’em tournament will feature a silent auction, fine wines and spirits, exclusive cigars, hors d’oeuvres and a dinner buffet.

Fall Into Fashion November 5, 2015 / LONG ISLAND An elegant afternoon luncheon and fashion show will feature sweepstakes prizes and a chance auction.

Love and Hope Preview Party November 6, 2015 / FLORIDA To be held at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, the evening will begin with a fabulous cocktail reception and

DRIfocus Marketing & Communications Dept.

Lori Weintraub, APR Lauren Schreier Joelle Parra Laurie Cummings

continue in the ballroom with dinner and dancing.

Fantasy at the Fontainebleau February 6, 2016 / FLORIDA The annual Love and Hope gala has a new name to reflect an exciting venue change. Join us at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, where the evening will begin with cocktails at the hotel's famed nightclub, LIV.

Mastering Your Diabetes November 13-16, 2015 / FLORIDA Developed by the DRI’s team of expert diabetes educators, this four-day course uses a high-energy, interactive teaching approach that puts you at the center of your diabetes management. A Gift of Love...A Gift of Hope Luncheon For more information contact Dina at February 22, 2016 / FLORIDA 305-243-3696.

Organized by the Palm Beach Auxiliary, this lovely luncheon features card playing Empire Ball and boutique shopping at a new location December 9, 2015 / NEW YORK this year, St. Andrews Country Club.

This always elegant, black-tie affair, to be held at The Grand Hyatt in NYC, Kids' Carnival for a Cure attracts hundreds from the New York March 6, 2016 / LONG ISLAND real estate industry.

Enjoy an afternoon of family fun at Dave and Buster’s, featuring video

games, inflatables, face painting, a buffet lunch and more.

Dreams in the City May 5, 2016 / NEW YORK The 11th annual event will be held at a new location this year, Cipriani at 25 Broadway, and will feature specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing, a silent auction and a mission-based live auction.

Crystal Ball May 14, 2106 / LONG ISLAND This annual black-tie gala always sparkles with a fabulous cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, auctions, dancing and more at the beautiful Garden City Hotel.

A publication of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.

Fall 2015 / Volume 43 / Issue 1 Contributors Peter J. Klein Gary Kleiman Melissa Pena Jill Salter Aimee Siegel-Harris Mitra Zehtab, M.D. University of Miami Medical Communications

Photography DRI / DRIF staff and volunteers Marc S. Levine Photography Joe Marzo Photography Andrew Milne Photography Donna Victor Design francdesign

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

Northeast Region / Manhattan Office 381 Park Avenue South, Suite 1118 New York, NY 10016 Phone: (212) 888-2217 Fax: (212) 888-2219 neregion@drif.org

Northeast Region / Jericho Office 410 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 201 Jericho, NY 11753 Phone: (516) 822-1700 Fax: (516) 822-3570 neregion@drif.org