DRIfocus Newsletter Winter 2015

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

DRIfocus

Winter 2015/ Volume 42 / Issue 1

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SHARED $3.3 MILLION GRANT FUNDS COLLABORATIVE DIABETES RESEARCH The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded a $3.3 million grant, to be shared by researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), the University of Florida, and additional institutions worldwide, as part of a collaborative global effort to help discover the causes of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and find a cure. The announcement was made by Alberto Pugliese, M.D., professor of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology and head of the DRI’s Immunogenetics Program, during a live webinar.

The George S. Eisenbarth nPOD Award for Team Science is named, in part, for the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD), a program established by JDRF in 2007 that supports the collection and characterization of pancreatic tissues from T1D organ donors. These tissues are then made available to investigators.

The program’s creation grew from the insight of T1D researchers, led by the late George Eisenbarth, M.D., with the understanding that while animal models for T1D could be useful, they differ from the human disease in many key aspects. The JDRF nPOD is led by Drs. Pugliese and Mark Atkinson (University of Florida).

Prior to the creation of nPOD, access to human pancreases for research was extremely challenging and obtaining T1D-diseased pancreatic tissue and other disease-relevant tissues were even more uncommon. That changed when Eisenbarth, for whom the Helmsley Charitable Trust award was named and who was a mentor to Dr. Pugliese, suggested the formation of nPOD and provided initial data in support of the feasibility of such an effort.

Today, thanks to outreach and education in the organ donation community, nPOD has collected more than 100 T1D donated pancreases.

The DRI's Dr. Alberto Pugliese announced the grant during a live webinar.

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A DRI Retrospective

Honored at the Empire Ball

In the Fast Lane

A Family's Mission

A throwback picture from 1994 in which DRI Foundation and Building Trades representatives officially dedicate the Diabetes Research Institute.

The 31st annual Empire Ball honored Stephen M. Soviero, L. Jay Cross, and Frederick C. Horwood and raised $1.2 million for the DRI.

Joanne Del Prete-Rosten's "Canto Lamborghini" and other exotic cars were out on display at the Gold Coast Concours/Bimmerstock event in Glen Cove, NY.

At The Donaldson Organization Golf Outing, Bob Donaldson, with family, friends and colleagues, raised $600,000 to help cure his grandson and millions more.

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A Message

from the Chairman Dear Friends, In this issue of DRIfocus, we acknowledge some great achievements by many members of our DRI family, from our lay leaders and supporters to our scientists and staff. Perhaps one of the most significant accomplishments occurred 21 years ago this February, when the small group of families who created this organization witnessed the dedication of the Diabetes Research Institute.

saddened over the recent passing of a few of these friends, whose generous foresight will help future generations live free from this disease (page 4).

Others, like our DRI researchers, dedicate their professional career to the fight against this disease, waging that battle in the lab. Their distinguished accomplishments are highlighted throughout this issue, For them, it not only marked the realization of a decades-long dream, beginning with our cover story. it ushered in a new era for diabetes research and one that was full of Many of you immerse yourselves through voluntary pursuits, as eviunprecedented hope for discovering a biological cure. You can read the denced by board service or event involvement, like those that take place inspiring story about “how the DRI was built” on page 14. in our DRI Foundation regions, or are created and organized by you, your As you know, that once small cadre of supporters has grown exponentially family or friends. as throngs of individuals and families have joined our cause. With a These are all noteworthy achievements. We applaud all of your efforts, shared commitment to curing this disease, all of us, together, have done and we thank you for doing so on behalf of the DRI and all of our what we can to fulfill our mission. I still marvel at what we have been loved ones. able to accomplish and how each of us plays an important role in moving our work forward.

Sincerely, Some of you provide critical financial support and invest significant resources in the DRI’s research program. We are pleased to recognize your extraordinary generosity in myriad ways, one of which is through our Cycle of Discovery donor recognition program (page 6).

Harold G. Doran, Jr. Chairman of the Board Some choose to create a legacy that provides a critical stream of funding beyond their lifetime by including the DRI in their estate plans. We are

VETERAN FUNDRAISER AND DIABETES MOM BARBARA TAVROW JOINS DRIF AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT A veteran nonprofit professional with more than 25 years of experience in major gifts fundraising and strategic campaign development, Barbara Tavrow joins the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation as senior vice president. She is profoundly committed to the organization’s singular goal of finding a cure for diabetes.

“I have been familiar with the work of the Diabetes Research Institute in Miami for many years, and after taking a tour, it was clear to me that this is a world-class facility solely dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes.

The scientists have a vision and passion like nothing I’ve seen before,” stated Barbara, whose son, Josh, 37, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11. “Not only did I realize this was a challenge I wanted to take on professionally, but I also knew it was the place to fully commit myself personally, in order to help find a cure for my son and millions more.”

Barbara has worked in all aspects of nonprofit consulting, including organizational development, feasibility studies, strategic planning, board

building, board training, and large special events. She has independently consulted with and raised significant funds for the Stanford University School of Medicine and the San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute, as well as many other organizations in education, the arts, and elder care in the San Francisco Bay Area, in Greater New York, as well as in Israel and elsewhere. She later started Tavrow|Lund Consulting, LLC, with her former business partner.

Born in New York City, Barbara graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a B.A. in Sociology and received her graduate degree in Secondary Education/English at San Jose State University. In addition to her son, Barbara has a daughter, Sara, and a granddaughter, Jordan.

DRIF ELECTS TWO ATTORNEYS TO SERVE ON ITS NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is pleased to announce that Marc S. Goldfarb and Bruce A. Siegel have been elected to serve on its National Board of Directors. They also serve as co-chairmen of the organization’s Northeast Region Board. Passionately committed to the DRI’s mission, these gentlemen will stop at nothing to find a cure for their daughters, Brooke Goldfarb and Sara Siegel, who both have type 1 diabetes.

Marc S. Goldfarb (Short Hills, NJ) is senior vice president and general counsel for FULLBEAUTY Brands, Inc., the leading brand portfolio of women’s and men’s apparel, shoes, lingerie and swimwear dedicated exclusively to plus sizes. Goldfarb has served on the DRIF’s Northeast Marc S. Goldfarb Bruce A. Siegel Region Board of Directors since 2006 and as a member of its Executive Committee since 2012.

He was recently appointed to serve as chairman of the Audit Committee of the National Board. His wife, Carolyn, was a founding chair of Carnival for a Cure, and they both have served as co-chairs of the event and of the 2008 Northeast Research Update. They also have another daughter, Isabelle, 13, who is Brooke's twin sister.

Bruce A. Siegel (New York, NY) is executive vice president and general counsel of First Long Island Investors, LLC (FLI), which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary as a boutique wealth management company in Jericho, NY. He also serves as a member of FLI’s Investment Committee and has worked for the company since 1989. His responsibilities include wealth management, estate planning, insurance evaluation and acquisition, and real estate advisory services. Siegel previously served on the DRIF’s Long Island Region Board and as a member of its Executive Committee, as well as the organization’s National Planned Giving Committee. Prior to that, he served as a volunteer in several capacities for more than 20 years for JDRF. He graduated from Cornell University in 1970 and received a J.D. degree from New York University School of Law in 1974. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1975. Bruce and his wife, Rachel, also have an adult son, Jason.

BOARD SPOTLIGHT: JOHN LUEBS Northeast Region Board member John Luebs is the senior vice president of Human Resources for Mutual of America in New York City. Prior to that, he held several leadership positions and is a 32-year veteran of the industry. In the workplace, he’s known for having grace under pressure and for being a fair negotiator. But those who know him well will attest that, above all, he’s a genuine family man and very proud father. Knowing that is what drives him, it’s no wonder John committed himself to supporting the Diabetes Research Institute – to find a cure for his eldest daughter, Maggie, who was diagnosed with T1D on April 19, 2000.

“It was absolutely devastating. We didn’t know anyone with diabetes and didn’t know where to turn,” he explained. “We learned that there are other great organizations which help you manage diabetes, but that was not good enough. We want to rid Maggie and millions more of this disease.”

The Luebs family: John, Sharon, Maggie, Diane, and Fran.

John and his wife, Fran, attended the DRI Foundation’s New York Research Update. At that time, they learned about several individuals who were living insulin free after receiving an islet transplant as part of the DRI’s ongoing clinical trials. Further impressed by the DRI’s spirit of collaboration, John and Fran immersed themselves into fundraising for the organization. They both joined the regional board and signed on to co-chair the following research updates in 2006 and 2008. They got involved on committees, while attending and volunteering at various events. John continues to serve on the Northeast Board and on its Executive Committee. Their three daughters, Maggie, Diane, and Sharon, who John says “believe in hard work and have such a close bond that propelled them all to Cornell University,” also lend their support, and Maggie, who is beginning her career at a prestigious New York law firm, is part of the Young Professionals group.

“We realized DRI is the best hope for a cure. Fran and I are very proud of our involvement with the organization and immensely proud of our daughters who are active themselves. We are confident that Dr. Ricordi and his team will find the answer to end diabetes once and for all.”

For others seeking to get involved, John added, “We have met some of the nicest people through our association with the DRIF. The group here in the Northeast, the regional board, the committee members – we’re a family. We’re all just focused on trying to fund research for a cure.”

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GENEROUS DONORS LEAVE MULTIMILLION DOLLAR LEGACY FOR THE DRI DRI Heritage Society members Shirley Harris, Lillian Redlich and Marty Bruder passed away this year, but they each leave an imprint on the DRI beyond time or measure. Compelled to ensure that critical funding of diabetes research continues into the future, Shirley, Lillian and Marty demonstrated their steadfast support of the DRI by including us in their estate plans. Their generosity lives on in our hearts and our labs.

Shirley Harris was one of the DRI’s most enthusiastic supporters. Always with a smile on her face, she profoundly touched our lives with her spirit and her optimism.

Shirley’s involvement with the DRI dates back several decades when her grandson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Once Shirley heard about our mission, she immediately volunteered to raise money for the DRI and began collecting contributions on street corners for our popular Hi-Way Holdup campaign.

An astute and self-made businesswoman, Shirley spent her entire career in the retail trade, successfully establishing various enterprises. She became one of the earliest members of the DRI Heritage Society and an ambassador for the group, which recognizes those who have provided for the DRI Foundation in their estate plans.

In recognition of her generosity, the Shirley Harris Administrative Pavilion at the Diabetes Research Institute bears her name.

An active member of the Love and Hope Committee, Shirley perennially served as an honoree of the Love and Hope Ball. Before her passing, she was making plans and looking forward to the 2015 event. This year, as a tribute to this very special member of the DRI family, Shirley will be recognized posthumously as the Humanitarian Honoree. Shirley also supported numerous other DRIF events over the years, from Florida to New York. She was a member of the Foundation’s Florida Region Board of Directors and our Leadership Council. We were all more fortunate to have known Shirley, and she will forever remain in our hearts.

Lillian Redlich was a generous and longtime supporter of the DRI and the University of Miami. When Lillian’s husband, John, developed type 2 diabetes, they turned to Dr. Daniel Mintz, DRI’s Scientific Director Emeritus, for his care. Lillian credited him with getting John on the right track with his diabetes and keeping him well for many years.

Originally from Manhattan, Lillian enjoyed gardening, arts and crafts, sewing, and decorating. Because her family could not afford to send Lillian to college, she was Continues on page 11

GIFT PLANNING OPTIONS FOR YOU With maturity and wisdom often comes an interest in ensuring that the people we care about, as well as the values that have played important roles in our lives, are protected both now and in the future.

Like Shirley Harris, Lillian Redlich and Marty Bruder, many of our supporters make gifts to the DRI Foundation that enable them to address their financial concerns and challenges while creating legacies that extend the benefits of their generosity far into the future and on a much broader scale.

We help them find planned-giving vehicles that complement their financial objectives, such as designating the DRI as a beneficiary of their will, living trust, charitable remainder or lead trust, insurance policy, or other deferred type of gift.

Since the various gift plans offer distinct benefits, your planned giving strategy will be based on your individual situation, just as with all of your financial planning.

If you are interested in deferring a gift until after your lifetime, consider naming the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation as a beneficiary in your will or living trust. The donation would be exempt from federal estate tax, and you would have control of your assets during your lifetime.

If you are looking to secure a fixed income or create a hedge against inflation, setting up a charitable remainder trust would pay you income annually, and the principal would be retained for the DRI. If your goal is to make a large gift with little cost to yourself, you may be interested in changing the ownership on a life insurance policy you no longer need. You would receive a current income tax deduction as well as possible future deductions through gifts to pay the policy premium.

These and several other opportunities exist to combine your philanthropic needs and taxplanning strategies. Through creative gift planning, you can secure you own financial future as well as the DRI’s.

NEXT STEP: Request Your Free Estate Planning Course The DRIF is pleased to provide you with a free tool to help you in your estate planning process, Planning for your Future: A Personal Estate Planning Course.

Please contact Jill Shapiro Miller, vice president of gift planning, at 1-800-321-3437 to request a copy today.

Shirley Harris

Lillian Redlich

Marty Bruder

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.

Chatham Turkey Trot Diabetes advocate and dad Curt Ritter, whose daughter, Mollie, has type 1 diabetes, is celebrating the most successful year of his annual Chatham Turkey Trot event in New Jersey, which has grown significantly since its founding six years ago. This year, more than 750 runners gathered for the fundraiser, which gives members of the community a chance to have a fun day out and participate in a one-mile Family Fun Run and USA Track & Field Certified 5K Race. All proceeds from the Turkey Trot help raise critical funds for the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Diabetes Research Institute. With the support of his community, Ritter helped raise more than $19,000 for both organizations at the 2014 run – which is the most raised to date at what has become a Thanksgiving Day tradition for the Chatham community.

Wall of Change/ Pumpwear The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is pleased and honored to continue as the recipient of Pump Wear Inc.'s “Wall of Change.”

Using any spare change, children of all ages make the shape of the number of days, weeks, months, or years that they have been living with diabetes. They take a picture with their creation and submit it to be placed on the "Wall of Change" – web pages on the DRIF and PumpWear websites that feature dozens of submissions from brave boys and girls from all over the country. Pump Wear Inc. began this initiative to raise awareness about this difficult disease that millions of children and adults live with every day. To join the Wall of Change, visit DiabetesResearch.org/wall-of-change, and follow the steps.

People of all ages are encouraged to participate, and the money collected benefits the cure-focused work of the DRI. Dress Down for Diabetes At Nipro Diagnostics in Fort Lauderdale, dressing down is not just a nice “Casual Friday” work perk, it’s also a way to give back and help a great cause. Once again, employees participated in Dress Down for Diabetes, where they make a donation in exchange for wearing jeans and more casual outfits to the office. It’s an incentive that has helped 1

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raise funds for the DRI’s cure-focused research. Every few months, a check arrives at the Foundation office with a warm letter signed

by Gwen M. Guerra, human resources manager, or Suzanne Gordon, corporate receptionist, detailing all of the wonderful work Nipro Diagnostics continues to do on behalf of the DRI. Letters from Santa Volunteer Coordinator Marie Jarcho and her merry band of elves were at it again this holiday season sending handwritten Letters from Santa to children all over the world, and all to help raise money for the DRI. Every year, she asks parents and grandparents to make a donation in exchange for their children to receive a personalized letter from Santa Claus, certified with an official North Pole stamp. Marie, along with her helpers, Andrea Borchgardt, Brenda Leavitt, Paula Fairchild, Sherrie Fontaine, Catherine Masterson, and Jan Arnold, all made sure that dozens of letters reached the recipients, which not only made it a brighter holiday season for many kids, but helped the d-community as well.

Fishing for a Cure When Scott Stodart wanted to help raise awareness and funds for diabetes research, he simply combined one of his favorite hobbies with his passion for advocacy, and the annual Fishing for a Cure Tournament was born. Now in its 5th year, the event continues to attract more anglers looking to help “catch” a cure for diabetes. This year, 70 participants joined in on the Bass Tournament Rules competition held off the waters of Livingston County, MI, on a beautiful day and helped reel in more than $4,400 for the DRI. 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!

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1) Runners take off from the starting line at the annual Chatham Turkey Trot.

2) A submission from the Pump Wear Wall of Change.

3) Santa Claus and his helpers were very busy this season writing letters.

4) Scott Stodart and volunteers strike a pose at the 5th annual Fishing for a Cure.

Photo not available for Nipro Diagnostics' Dress Down for Diabetes, but you can imagine that they're all wearing jeans!

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FOUNDATION DONORS RECOGNIZED Awards from the DRI Foundation’s Cycle of Discovery series were presented to donors who recently made major gifts or joined the DRI Heritage Society by making a planned gift. Awards were presented individually and at Foundation events.

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DONOR LEVEL

AWARD

Visionaries Chairman’s Council Leadership Council Governors’ Society Distinguished Humanitarians Grand Founders Founders Benefactors 5

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$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

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PERPETUATION AWARD: Jim McClellan on behalf of the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation with Dr. William J. Rand and DRIF President and CEO Joshua W. Rednik (1), Roy Ripak for Walgreens with DRIF's Tom Karlya (2), Roberta and Bruce Waller (3).

TRANSLATION AWARD: Crystal Blaylock Sanchez on behalf of the Shell Key West Challenge, with Dr. Camillo Ricordi (4), Betty Dunn with Dr. Rand (5), Jim and Miriam Sensale (6).

REALIZATION AWARD: Jane Kahn Jacobs and Doug Jacobs on behalf of the Rose and Burton Kahn Family Foundation (7), Arline and Jack Strick on behalf of the Frank Strick Foundation (8), Rick and Margarita Tonkinson, who also received the Heritage Society plaque (9).

EXPLORATION AWARD: Amparo Gonzalez of Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute with Tom Karlya (10), Bruce and Mary Beth Fishbein (11), Amy, Lexi and Scott Greenwald (12), Dr. Steven Marcus on behalf of the Health Foundation of South Florida (13), Barbara and Norman Shapiro, who also received the Heritage Society plaque, with their daughter, Marcia Shapiro (14), Roberta and Lawrence Helfant (15), Rachel and Bruce Siegel (16) HYPOTHESIS AWARD: Greg Besner on behalf of Willa’s Wish Foundation with DRIF COO Deborah Chodrow (17), Catalina Schrader-Ingber and Len Ingber with their daughter Gabriela Ingber (18), Marilyn Fellman (19), Paul Flynn on behalf of Animas Corporation with Tom Karlya (20), James Peck on behalf of the Calvin and Flavia Oak Foundation (21), Norman and Myrna Ricken (22), Ray Quarteraro on behalf of Jones Lang LaSalle (23), Sharad Madison on behalf of United Building Maintenance and the Madison Family (24).

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FOUNDATION DONORS RECOGNIZED 25

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HYPOTHESIS AWARD: Andrew Anik on behalf of Century Elevator Maintenance Corp. (25), Stu Koshner of RCDOLNER LLC. (26), Jim Phillips (right) accepting for TPG Architecture with Bob Donaldson (27), Scott Stewart of Ware Industries/Marino Ware (28).

QUERY AWARD: John and Jeannette Calles and Ivette and Juan Calles, who accepted on behalf of the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation (29), Dalia Glottmann (30), Nickey and Cheryl Gregory (31), Jaret Davis and Sabrina Ferris on behalf of Greenberg Traurig, with her children, Colby and Sage (32), Dolores Harris in memory of her husband, Ernest, with son, Larry Harris (33), Jesse McLaughlin on behalf of Perry Ellis International (34), Representing Sanofi, Donna Rice, Andrew Purcell, John Agos, with Tom Karlya (second from left) (35), Kevin Mulligan on behalf of Mulligan Security (36), Anthony Lonigro and Marc Feldman on behalf of Robert Derector Associates (37), Korey and Sam Liebman (38), Christine and Kevin Meyers (39), Eileen and (not pictured here) David Zinn (40), Steve Halsch on behalf of Allied Building Products Corp. (41), Ken Feldman on behalf of Feldman Lumber (42), Eric Hahn (right) on behalf of Gorton & Partners with Donaldson (43), Hugh O’Kane (right) on behalf of Hugh O’Kane Electric Company with Donaldson (44), Brian Arrone on behalf of Hunter Roberts Construction Group (45), Anthony Hughes on behalf of Probuild Company (46), Matthew Schimenti in memory of Donald Schimenti of Schimenti Construction Company with Donaldson (47).

HERITAGE SOCIETY: Mark Hariton accepting the Heritage Society plaque, with his wife, Maria Teresa (48)

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NEW JERSEY’S FOUNDATION FOR DIABETES RESEARCH:

A FORCE WITHIN THE DIABETES COMMUNITY 1

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When their kids are in danger, parents have a keen ability to morph into superheroes, mirroring the power of the Justice League when they band together. Fiction aside, the parents, families, and individuals involved in the Foundation for Diabetes Research (FDR) have joined forces to battle a menacing threat – type 1 diabetes.

Method of attack: Granting research dollars to projects focused on finding a cure for their children and millions more.

The FDR was founded in 1999 by approximately 90 New Jersey families, looking to cure their children with diabetes. Since then, their numbers have grown substantially, as well as their ability to raise funds in their local area. They host two major events during the year: the Annual Golf Classic, which raised $76,000 in 2014, and the Harvest for Hope Fashion Show, which garnered more than $111,000 last year – all to fund new and promising grants for diabetes research. More recently, they’ve added a roller skating event, which allows the younger family members to join in the fundraising, plus the SHARE (Support Heal And Relate Experiences) support group, which addresses the need for members to share feelings, solutions, and concerns.

“We’re a tight-knit group, and we’re acutely focused on one goal – finding a cure,” said Michael Wallock, who is on the FDR’s board of trustees and has served in several leadership positions within the foundation. Michael has an adult daughter with T1D and is firmly entrenched in the cause. “The Diabetes Research Institute has been on our radar since the beginning, and I believe it is one of the world’s leading diabetes research centers.”

In fact, the Diabetes Research Institute has been one of FDR's major grant recipients from the inception of the foundation. Michael continued, "With our knowledge of DRI, its staff, researchers, and ability to tap into other scientists' research, FDR recognizes them as a leader in the quest to end type 1 diabetes."

1) Audrey and Michael Wallock at FDR's Harvest for Hope event.

2) FDR Board member Nurit Gans (standing) with DRIF's Josh Rednik (standing), Tony Childs, and Amy Epstein.

The official mission of the FDR is “to support research aimed at a cure for diabetes and prevention of its severe complications.” It grants funds to selected research programs by a peer review process. The FDR’s first grant funded a fast track laboratory at the DRI, and to date, the organization has funded upward of $1 million in support of multiple studies conducted at the DRI. According to Gary Kleiman, senior director of medical development at the DRI, “Thanks to the current grant support from the Foundation for Diabetes Research, we have been able to address the need for alternative sources for insulin-producing cells. It has allowed us to advance innovative strategies to develop a reliable cell supply, which is one of the critical areas our investigators are concentrating on.”

As the DRI continues to build on this extraordinary progress, the Foundation for Diabetes Research will continue to fight the injustice of diabetes with everything they’ve got.

$10,000 DEMONSTRATES THE POWER OF ONE In our last issue, we introduced you to an innovative young teenager, Jonathan Berman, who started a fundraising campaign called the Power of One. He asked everyone he could reach – via emails, Facebook, word of mouth and the Children with Diabetes conference last summer – for a $1 donation to support the DRI’s research. He also engaged the support of several Power of One Ambassadors like him to reach out to their personal social networks for dollar donations. Jonathan wants nothing more than a cure for diabetes for himself and millions of others. During school’s winter break, he traveled with his family to South Florida to hand deliver a check in the amount of $10,000! Do you think Jonathan has the power to turn one into millions? That’s the goal, and you can help him reach it! Start your own Power of One campaign. Learn more at DiabetesResearch.org/PowerOfOne.

The Berman family, Michelle, Lauren, Jonathan, Mark and Morgan, present a check for $10,000 at the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.

$3.3 MILLION GIFT

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Rather than competing against one another for academic prominence, nPOD is bringing together a community of researchers to conduct the best possible science,” said Dr. Pugliese. “We’re connecting the dots in real time with a remarkably high level of collaboration. We are speeding up science.”

The new funding from the Helmsley Charitable Trust will enable support for and expand collaborative efforts among nPOD investigators, who are already engaged in more than 140 research projects. Collaborative working groups are also being formed to accelerate the pace of discovery and promote integrated studies. The Helmsley grant will specifically support several new multidisciplinary working groups focusing on critical areas of T1D research and fund the creation of early-stage pilot research projects that leverage nPOD’s human tissue samples.

The award will also expand infrastructure and staffing resources to enhance bio-sample availability and scientific collaboration among nPOD investigators. Oftentimes, medical studies in T1D are confidential and rarely shared among peers prior to publication of findings. However, instead of closely guarding their research, nPOD’s participating scientists regularly share samples, data, findings, and ideas in real time.

of T1D that have recently been published in peer-reviewed journals.

For example, nPOD investigators have identified key changes in the pancreas that occur as a result of T1D and pinpointed specific molecules that may be targeted by drugs in the future. nPOD investigators are elucidating how the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells and to what extent these cells may replicate.

They are also uncovering mechanisms that lead to severe dysfunction of insulin-producing cells, which now appears to be a critical component of T1D that contributes to the development of clinical symptoms.

Researchers hope to target this important disease mechanism in clinical trials.

Ultimately, nPOD is poised to address key questions about the causes of T1D that are unique to patients with the disease, such as what role do viral infections play in disease onset. Questions like these cannot be answered solely by studying experimental disease models.

The cooperation among investigators ensures that the pancreases of the patients are studied with the most sophisticated methodologies and comprehensive study designs, which maximizes the potential for meaningful discoveries.

There are many studies that are advancing researchers’ understanding

MULTIMILLION DOLLAR LEGACY passionate about helping others pursue higher education. At the DRI, Lillian made gifts to fund post-doctoral fellows who are engaged in cure-focused research. She enjoyed visiting the DRI and meeting the young scientists she was able to help.

After caring for John as he faced the challenges of living with diabetes, Lillian also developed type 2 diabetes. She was fascinated by the groundbreaking research she saw at the DRI and wanted to do what she could so others would not have to suffer. She was particularly empathetic about young children who were diagnosed with diabetes and hoped that by including the DRI Foundation in her will, she could make a difference. Lillian’s wonderful smile and concern for others is truly missed.

Marty Bruder was determined to live his life giving whatever he could. Born in Chicago and raised in Miami, he grew up in a home where funds were meager, yet generosity was abundant, as his mother strongly believed in giving to those in need. After graduating from the University of Miami School of Business Administration, Marty served in the military intelligence branch of the United States Air Force and had a successful career working in both the wine and spirits and security industries.

Marty had a strong desire to share what he acquired with causes that were meaningful to him. He spent time doing research and visiting with various organizations to learn more about their work.

He arranged for a tour of the Diabetes Research Institute, and after meeting several of the DRI's faculty and seeing firsthand the pioneering

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work underway, Marty knew that his money would be put to great use to help cure those living with diabetes.

Marty established a charitable gift annuity to benefit the Diabetes Research Institute that provided him with an income stream for life.

Upon his passing, the remainder of the annuity is supporting the work of the Diabetes Research Institute.

Over the years, Marty continued to increase his commitment to the DRI, having set a financial goal that he worked diligently to meet.

Marty Bruder is the perfect example of a compassionate donor and philanthropic friend. His careful financial planning will provide for the DRI for years to come and help to ensure continued research progress.

We are saddened by the loss of these extraordinary individuals and are grateful to have known them.

If you have included the DRI Foundation in your plans, we invite you to become a DRI Heritage Society member. You will be permanently listed on a wall of honor at the DRI and presented with the DRI Heritage Society Award. Most importantly, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that by arranging for your planned gift, you are creating a legacy that will help advance research for a cure beyond your lifetime. For more information, please contact Jill Shapiro Miller, vice president of gift planning, at (800) 321-3437 or jshapiro@drif.org.

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UNDER THE MICROSCOPE WITH ALLISON BAYER, PH.D. As we continue to develop the DRI BioHub, overcoming the challenges posed by the immune system will play an essential role in our ability to discover a biological cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Reversing autoimmunity and preventing the rejection of transplanted cells – and doing so without the need for harmful immunosuppressive drugs – are top priorities at the DRI. Much has been learned about the immune system in recent years, which has led our researchers to develop new strategies using the cells of our own body, rather than toxic agents, to address these critical immune-related issues.

Dr. Allison Bayer is a member of the DRI team studying a particular population of immune cells, known as regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are found throughout the body and protect “self” cells from being destroyed. Research has shown that in people with T1D, alterations in Tregs may be responsible for this autoimmune attack on the insulin-producing cells.

Dr. Bayer, Research Assistant Professor in Department of Microbiology and Immunology, is investigating methods to utilize these cells through a process known as adoptive Treg therapy. In the interview below, she explains more about her research and the status of this work.

Q. What is a Regulatory T cell (Treg) and why is it important for the study of type 1 diabetes?

A. The immune system focuses on attacking and destroying foreign materials and avoids attacking “self” tissues. But this process can fail, causing the immune system to destroy its own tissues, which is known as autoimmunity.

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), the insulin-producing beta cells are destroyed. One mechanism that the immune system employs to keep these self-reacting cells in check is through a population of Tregs that block the destruction of self tissues. These Treg cells can also block immune responses to transplanted tissues, thereby preventing rejection.

Mice that are genetically deficient in regulatory T cells exhibit rapid, lethal autoimmunity. Using this unique experimental model, we have shown that when additional Tregs are given to these recipient mice (adoptive Treg therapy), autoimmunity is prevented and the mice live a normal, disease-free life.

Importantly, tolerance to transplanted tissue is also achieved with this type of Treg treatment. These findings suggest a potential use of Tregs as therapy for the treatment of T1D. Q. Can you further explain Adoptive Treg Therapy?

A. In the context of type 1 diabetes, adoptive Treg therapy means correcting for the deficiency of these cells by giving Tregs from one’s self or from another individual in order to reset the natural regulatory function of the immune system and prevent the attack on the insulin-producing beta cells.

When we give the “new” or donor Tregs to the patient, these cells will have to compete with the patient’s own Tregs. Imagine that you have a full house, but you need to let new people into the house. In order to make room for the new tenants, you would have to first “evict” some of the existing residents. Creating space for the new tenants also avoids depleting critical resources for all the people living in the house. The same idea holds true for the “new” Tregs. We need to make space and limit competition for resources in order for the new Tregs and the patient’s own Tregs to grow, survive and function.

Q. What is the focus of your research?

A. I am investigating the mechanisms by which successful adoptive Treg therapy can be achieved for the reversal of autoimmune diabetes or to suppress islet transplant rejection. We anticipate that we will need to manipulate the immune system in order to recreate the biological environment for donor Tregs to survive long-term and induce tolerance toward the transplanted tissue.

Through studies in experimental mouse models, we have been able to identify critical factors for successful adoptive Treg therapy, and these include making adequate space, minimizing competition, and adding agents, namely interleukin-2 (IL-2), to promote their growth, survival, and function. Also, since Tregs regulate many different types of immune cells, we need to direct that regulation specifically to resetting the autoimmune response, while leaving the rest of the immune system intact.

Q. What have been your latest results?

A. Recently, we have focused on developing adoptive Treg therapy in a mouse model of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes, which closely resembles T1D in humans. Keeping in mind the critical factors our previous work defined in designing a clinically relevant strategy, we have demonstrated that adoptive Treg therapy can reverse the disease in this experimental model when we recreate the Treg supportive environment with a small number of Tregs. In fact, we are able to use a 20-fold less quantity of Tregs to observe therapeutic benefit when compared to nonmanipulated mice.

Q. How does your research with Tregs differ from what other groups are working on?

A. Many other groups are working on developing adoptive Treg therapy. Because Tregs are a rare population, many groups are expanding Tregs to generate large numbers of these cells prior to giving the Tregs for therapy. However, work from our lab has demonstrated that, under the right biological environment, a small number of non-expanded Tregs can efficiently control autoimmunity and induce tolerance to transplanted tissue. Therefore, by recreating this supportive environment at the time when “new” Tregs are given, we have shown that a small number of Tregs result in a therapeutic benefit.

There's more to read!

To view the complete Q&A, visit: DiabetesResearch.org/UTM-AllisonBayer.

AROUND

THE DRI DRI RESEARCHER AWARDED DISTINGUISHED MARC S. GOODMAN PRIZE Alice Tomei, Ph.D., one of DRI’s promising young investigators, was selected to receive the 2015 Marc S. Goodman Prize to an Outstanding Young Scientist due to her exemplary role, persistence, and determination toward fulfilling the organization’s mission to discover a biological cure for diabetes. This prestigious honor carries an award of $10,000, which she will use to advance her research in two of the DRI’s critical research areas.

Dr. Tomei, research assistant professor and co-director of bio-engineering, has been a central figure in the coordination of the conformal coating encapsulation project, a strategy that “shrink wraps” each islet cell with a protective barrier to shield them from immune system attack. She has also been working in the area of tolerance induction, applying findings from cancer research to protect insulin-producing cells.

Dr. Tomei has a background that uniquely combines expertise in biomaterials, tissue engineering, nanotechnology, and immunology. She has published her work in a broad range of journals, with recent publications in Science and Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.

“I feel truly honored for having been selected as the recipient of the 2015 Marc Goodman Prize. Such a prestigious award further motivates and supports my work, which is focused on finding a cure for T1D," said Dr. Tomei.

Candidates for this prize were presented to Marc by DRI Director Dr. Camillo Ricordi, whose recommendation was based upon the merits of their research as well as their commitment to our mission to cure diabetes.

The fund was established to recognize Marc’s leadership as national chairman of the DRI Foundation at the end of his tenure in 2007. It also honors his extraordinary dedication to finding a cure for diabetes, which became his passion after losing his daughter, Stacy Joy, to the disease at age 17.

SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY HONORS DRI RESEARCHER Dr. Peter Buchwald, director of the DRI’s drug discovery program, was recently elected as a Fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS), the world’s largest scientific society.

Dr. Buchwald received this prestigious appointment for his “distinguished contributions to the pharmaceutical sciences, particularly in the area of multi-disciplinary approaches to drug design and delivery utilizing computer-aided applications,” state the AAAS. Fellows are elected by their peers for their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications.

“Receiving this honor was a very pleasant surprise,” said Dr. Buchwald, who, together with 401 newly-elected fellows, was officially pinned on February 14 at the AAAS’ 2015 Annual Meeting in San Jose, CA. Dr. Buchwald’s research is focused on small molecule drug discovery for immune-modulation with the goal of advancing the treatment and cure of type 1 diabetes.

“The long-term goal for our current research is to prevent diabetes or reverse the onset of the disease as well as to help those who have already received a pancreas or islet cell transplant,” said Buchwald.

The AAAS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson, and professional association. It also publishes the journal Science, as well as many scientific newsletters, books, and reports, and spearheads programs.

The AAAS serves 262 affiliated societies and academies of science, involving 10 million individuals.

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HOPE, SWEAT AND TEARS:

A LOOK BACK AT HOW THE DRI WAS BUILT Twenty-one years ago, approximately 900 supporters, including North America's Building Trades representatives, gathered for the dedication of the new Diabetes Research Institute facility at the University of Miami School of Medicine. It marked a major step in an unprecedented effort to cure this disease. As it stood then and continues to be, the DRI building is the most comprehensive cure-focused research facility of its kind in the world, combining the efforts of scientists and clinicians from a variety of scientific disciplines, all focused on one goal – curing diabetes.

FAMILIES UNITE “We never could have imagined when we started fundraising in 1971 that the Diabetes Research Institute would become the world’s leading diabetes research facility,” stated Barbara Singer, who along with her husband, Shelly Singer, and four other families, created a fledgling In the early days, Barbara Singer foundation that grew into the Diabetes labels buckets for a popular Research Institute Foundation. These fundraiser called Hi-way Holdup, five South Florida families were where supporters stood at interdriven by a need to make an impact sections collecting donations. on research to find a cure for their children who were living with type 1 diabetes. “We raised $1,500 that first year; from our own pockets,” she recalled with a smile.

The Kleiman family got involved a year later. Gary Kleiman, son of Marge and Marty Kleiman, was diagnosed with type 1 at age 6 and began experiencing complications while away at college. Gary remembers leaving Syracuse University to pursue treatment options while his parents connected with those initial foundation families and local physicians. These contacts and discussions led to a meeting with a doctor, who was well-regarded and attracted the attention of the small foundation.

A few years earlier, that very doctor, Dr. Daniel Mintz, was recruited to the University of Miami to head the endocrinology division and UM’s clinical research unit. He was also conducting research with insulinproducing beta cells. “ Sitting in our living room with my parents, close family friends, and Dr. and Mrs. Mintz, I was quickly struck by how this man was asking me about my thoughts, feelings and plans. I was amazed. He was the first doctor I’d ever met who seemed to so genuinely care about me as a person,” Gary explained.

Led by Dr. Daniel Mintz, the DRI was the first “He also shared his belief to cure diabetes in dogs. (Pictured with Fritz that diabetes could be cured who was cured of diabetes in 1984.)

by transplanting insulin-producing cells, replacing the cells that were lost. He would later describe that his vision was to assemble the right people from different scientific backgrounds to work together in a focused effort to cure diabetes.”

The Kleimans joined the Singers, the Kronowitts, and the other passionate families plus a growing number of supporters and fully committed themselves to supporting Mintz’s mission. According to Gary, his parents “ate, drank, and at night, dreamed Foundation.” Barbara added, “We were obsessed with this. Our board meetings would last until two o’clock in the morning!”

THE START OF SOMETHING BIG Gary reluctantly agreed to share his story as a way of bringing attention to the need for research funding and to stress that insulin was not a cure.

“The Miami Herald ran an article about me and about the program at UM. We were gaining a lot of traction and national attention," he said. “It was electric! There was a sense of urgency and so much energy, enthusiasm, and a deep shared belief that we could make it happen.”

Soon after, the Love and Hope Ball became a signature event and was raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, plus ample press coverage in the society pages. People were starting to take notice; several key individuals were becoming involved; exciting things were happening. In a few short years, a Diabetes Research Center was formally established at the UM School of Medicine.

Operating on blind faith, determination and lots of coffee, they would pour every ounce of energy into their crusade. These families spearheaded the creation of the State of Florida Diabetes Program, pioneered approaches for women with diabetes to have successful pregnancies, and recruited key faculty to begin building a multidisciplinary team. Progress was being made with cell transplantation, curing mice and dogs that developed diabetes. But it became clear, that in order to speed research to cure their children, the program needed to expand. Medical school space was limited so a plan was developed to seek support for a new building. The Foundation’s by-laws did not provide for funding of bricks and mortar, so another source was needed.

GETTING THE FUNDING Enter Henry Keller, Jr. His wife, Adrienne, had type 1 diabetes. He was a soft spoken, hard-driven businessman, whose family owned and operated a union-affiliated company, Keller Industries, which produced a wide range of home-building products.

Hank and Adrienne Keller with Marty Kleiman.

Barbara explained, “Hank was able to introduce Dr. Mintz and members of the DRI Foundation to the leadership of North America’s Building Trades. We learned that several of the Unions’ general presidents had personal interests in diabetes. Hank, Dr. Mintz, and the Kleimans had several initial meetings with Union presidents and presented our vision, goals, and needs to them.”

Responding to a shared vision of a cure, the Building Trades in 1984 created Blueprint for Cure – the campaign to fund and build the DRI’s state-of-the-art research and treatment facility. Across the country, skilled craftsmen and women dedicated their time and effort, raising funds through the D.A.D.s (Dollars Against Diabetes) Day program and Labor of Love Golf & Softball Slam event, to fund the construction of the facility. Several years later, they would break ground, and in 1994, celebrated their immense achievement at the dedication of the new Diabetes Research Institute.

“One of the greatest accomplishments in our mission to eradicate diabetes,” wrote Dr. Mintz, asking everyone to take pride in the “building that represents hope to the millions of men, women and children who suffer from diabetes, and who can now look toward a future full of promise.”

Barbara recounts the day as being filled with overwhelming emotion.

“I remember walking into the building with Marge Kleiman. We were wearing hard hats. We stood in the lobby, looked around – and we just cried. We could not believe that, with the help of so many generous people, our little organization was able to create this. To this day, I still can’t believe it. I feel that way every time I step foot inside.”

A NEW BUILDING Beyond the hope it represents, the 87,000-squarefoot building, named in honor of Rowland and Sylvia Schaefer, is an impressive structure with a unique synergy between diabetes research and patient treatment. The guiding principle Breaking ground at the DRI construction site. of its development and design was to mold a work of architecture from the rational nature of science and the compassionate nature of patient care. Nothing like it had previously existed anywhere in the world. On one side, the Kosow

Diabetes Treatment Center offers the highest standards of health care delivery, with ongoing management and education support and numerous clinical research possibilities. On the other side stands the Leon J. Simkins Research Tower housing several floors of laboratories, replete with the latest biomedical technologies, all connected by a central corridor to promote the sharing of ideas. The DRI lobby, which also serves as the patient waiting area, both literally and symbolically connects the researchers with patients on a daily basis. Scientists entering or leaving the building are reminded of their purpose and those affected by diabetes know that these researchers are working to improve the quality of their lives.

With this extraordinary gift by the Building Trades, Dr. Mintz believed the new facility provided a unique opportunity to attract the best and The vision becomes reality; one place with a brightest new talent, and singular purpose to cure diabetes. an international search began for a new scientific director to “supervise a multi-disciplinary research effort in a newly constructed research and clinical care facility,” as was written in the advertisement placed in various medical journals.

THE BEST HOPE FOR A CURE Twenty-one years ago, Dr. Camillo Ricordi took the helm of the Diabetes Research Institute. Today, he is acknowledged by his peers as one of the world's leading scientists in cure-focused diabetes research and cell transplantation. His contributions to the field include the invention of the Ricordi Chamber and Automated Method to process insulin-producing islet cells from a donor pancreas and many more innovations to restore natural insulin function.

The research mission of the DRI remains the same – to achieve a biological cure for diabetes by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. As Dr. Ricordi has stated so eloquently, "We will cure diabetes. This is not a prediction; it is a promise."

Dr. Ricordi with his Ricordi Chamber.

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NIGHTTIME TESTING: IN SEARCH OF BALANCE AND A DECENT NIGHT'S REST • If you are over 21 years of age and have been drinking alcohol, check blood glucose before going to bed! Over-night testing is highly recommended as alcohol can induce delayed hypoglycemia especially if not enough carbohydrates were eaten when the alcohol was consumed.

Dr. Robin Nemery, a pediatric endocrinologist at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, FL, said when asked whether she recommends nighttime testing, “Depends. There is a 'yes' and 'no' answer to that one. At times, we have patients do overnight checks – especially if there is a lot of fluctuation in the fasting blood sugars or any signs or symptoms of nocturnal hypo or hyperglycemia, but not consistently.

That said, many of our parents are doing it anyway. The CGM is very helpful in this regard.”

Since your child was diagnosed, when was the last time you slept through the night?

Nighttime testing is probably one of the most sensitive and emotional issues for parents of children with diabetes. We covered the topic in a two-part series of our biweekly PEP Talk eNewsletter. It had the highest open and click-through rates of all eNewsletters to date! Therefore, we felt it was important enough to reprint here in DRIfocus. To subscribe to PEP Talk online, become a DRInsider at DiabetesResearch.org/Register.

With the driving fear of nighttime reactions, many parents – if not the majority – faithfully test their children every night. Scientific evidence shows that nighttime reactions do occur, and since we are asleep a third of the day, we really don’t know what happens with blood sugar at night…unless you test.

The Education Team at the Diabetes Research Institute stated that how often you test your child's blood sugar levels each day and when will depend on a number of factors that can change from day to day.

As your child grows and matures, the rationale for how often to check may also change. Most kids with diabetes test their blood sugar levels before breakfast, lunch, dinner, and at bedtime. They may also check two hours after eating, especially if new foods are introduced, or the insulin to carbohydrate ratio is being evaluated.

Here are some tips on when you should test your child’s blood sugar level more often: • When your child is ill.

• If you suspect your child has a low blood sugar level.

• If your child has been more active than usual. Increased activity during the day can cause low blood sugars many hours after the activity has ended and can cause lows during the night.

• Middle of the night, if your child had a low blood sugar level during the day, exercised more than usual, made a change in the insulin dose, has been ill, or is newly diagnosed and a stable insulin dose has not been established.

Lynette Miller, co-founder of the PEP Squad, commented, “We have always believed it is necessary to test our daughter, Brooke (15 yrs., dx'd at 3 yrs.), during the night for several reasons. One is that we have discovered serious low blood sugars that occur randomly during the night. Another is that she is a very deep sleeper and often does not wake up to symptoms of hypoglycemia. Fortunately, we have technology that helps us manage her diabetes at night, including a continuous glucose monitor that causes her insulin pump to alarm if she is running high or low, and a monitoring device that alerts us to abnormal blood sugar levels.”

According to PEP Squad mentor and clinical psychologist, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, “Panic, resentment, guilt, worry, anger, dread, and disgust are all very difficult feelings that might arise at times about the responsibility of nighttime testing and the decision on how to handle it. But guess what? These feelings are in the normal range! And, they are important because we are all human.”

Dr. Rapaport asserts the need for a positive-enlightened attitude for the long-term, and stated that “your attitude as a parent will affect the way your child internalizes her/his view.” She suggests that creating an effective attitude IS possible…with a little help from your friends.

Talk to other families affected by diabetes. Don’t have any near you?

Find more than 2,000 parents on the DRI Foundation’s PEP Squad closed group page on Facebook (Facebook.com/groups/PEPsquadDRI).

Approach your health care professionals, and in particular, the mental health professional on your team.

To avoid the pressure of being fearful, parents and kids need to be taught how to safeguard their thinking. The field of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) which identifies our thoughts that don't serve us well – overgeneralizing, magnifying negatives, catastrophizing, forgetting the positives – offers ways to react differently and effectively to thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that don't serve us well.

Dr. Rapaport suggests revisiting these feelings and strategies periodically; your needs and habits can change. You have a lot on your plate…handling your child's diabetes, your stress, and possibly dealing with reduced sleep.

“Everyone needs to kvetch (complain legitimately) about the pressures of taking care of diabetes, including siblings who are awakened at night or left out of the ‘complaining camaraderie,’” she said.

“MOVING TOWARDS A CURE” WITH NORTH AMERICA’S BUILDING TRADES UNIONS As is written in the mission statement of North America’s Building Trades Unions, “With pride, performance, and professionalism, our highly skilled work force delivers unmatched value.” It also states “that a partnership with North America’s Building Trades Unions is the best investment” a contractor or owner can make.

Insightful and true, these words can also be attributed to the unparalleled partnership between the Building Trades and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. Some of the deep history between the two organizations is detailed in the story about the 21st anniversary of the dedication of the DRI facility, which was funded and built by the Building Trades (see article on pg 14). But when it comes down to it, it’s the union men and women – many of whom have a direct connection to diabetes – that have personally committed themselves to helping the DRI find a cure.

Throughout the year, union members hosted a number of fundraising events, most under the auspices of D.A.D.s Day (Dollars Against Diabetes), all to support the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute.

Ranging from bowling and softball tournaments to golf outings and more, each Council or Local Building Trades Union organizes its own event. Members work hard to garner sponsorships, registrations, raffle prizes, and volunteer participation. The results are tens of thousands of dollars raised for diabetes research.

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Possibly the most anticipated event each year is the Labor of Love & Softball Slam, which took place on June 20-23 in Atlantic City, NJ, and was themed “Moving Towards a Cure.” According to Building Trades’ President Sean McGarvey, the event has raised more than $1.2 million for the DRI over the past two years. With the new location on the Jersey Shore, several fresh events with local flavor were added to the weekend’s agenda, including a poker tournament, a sporting clays competition, and a fishing tournament, as well as the annual softball and golf tournament. Labor of Love golfers enjoyed the special treat of playing two fabulous courses steeped in rich golf history and lore: the famed SeaView Golf Resort’s Bay and Pine courses, which offer the avid golfer a true challenge.

Recently the Building Trades’ Bobby Crider, director of Operations and Finance, made the trip down to Miami to see firsthand the work being conducted at the Diabetes Research Institute. He spoke with the scientists directly and learned more about the development of a DRI BioHub, a mini organ that mimics the native pancreas to restore natural insulin production. Bobby was pleased to learn more about how the funds raised are being used to support one goal – a cure for diabetes.

All of us at the Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation are so grateful to everyone who helped make all of these events so successful! We cannot thank you enough.

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1) DRIF’s Tom Karlya, vice president, and Josh Rednik, president and CEO, are presented with a check in the amount of $330,000 by the Building Trades’ President Sean McGarvey after the 2014 Labor of Love & Softball Slam.

2) Larry McGann, General SecretaryTreasurer, International Union of Elevator Constructors, Frank Christensen, General President, International Union of Elevator Constructors, and John Valone, Business Representative IUEC Local 2 at the IUEC Local 2 Annual Dad’s Day golf event, which took place at Glen Eagles Country Club on September 20 in Illinois.

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3) James Reid, President Emeritus, Chad Day, Executive Secretary, and Barry Rohrmeier, President of the Greater Cincinnati Building & Construction Trades Council at their Annual Day’s Day golf event, which took place at Twin Oaks Golf & Plantation Club on May 22 in Kentucky.

4) Building Trades’ Bobby Crider looks at cells under a microscope during a tour of the DRI.

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If you are in South Florida and want to participate in the walkathon, visit the website or call us at 1-800-321-3437.

LET ME COUNT THE WAYS TO GIVE Brenda Novak

Allison Brennan, JT Ellison, Alex Kava and Sherryl Woods

DiabetesResearch.org/DRIshirts.

Visit: DiabetesResearch.org/eCards.

FEATURED

EVENTS THE EMPIRE BALL RAISES MORE THAN $1.2 MILLION More than 900 supporters gathered at the Grand Hyatt New York for the 31st Empire Ball, presented by the New York Real Estate Division of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, on Wednesday, December 10, 2014. The annual gala was led by Ball Chairman Peter L. DiCapua, chairman of CodeGreen Solutions, who kicked off the evening by thanking all the attendees for their support and helping the ball reach more than $34 million raised for research since it all began 31 years ago.

Guests also enjoyed a cocktail reception, delicious dinner, live music by The Jay Prince Band, dancing, and a chance to win an incredible Classic New York door prize featuring a weekend stay at the Hyatt, brunch at The Rainbow Room, a tour of Empire State Building, a Yankees game, and a basketball game at Barclays Center. The lucky winner was Sarah Morgan of Knoll.

But the highlights of the night included speeches from DRI Foundation President and CEO Joshua Rednik and DRI Director Dr. Camillo Ricordi, and the presentation of the awards to this year’s honorees, which, in keeping with tradition, were handed out by last year’s honorees: Frederick C. Horwood, assistant general counsel of Time Warner, Inc., was presented the Distinguished Service award by Joe "Dee" Dussich, CEO and president of JAD Corporation of America. Stephen M. Soviero, senior managing director of Cushman & Wakefield, Inc., received the Camillo Ricordi Humanitarian award from Jay Badame, president and COO of NY/NJ/PA Tishman Construction, an AECOM Company. The 2014 Leadership Award was presented to L. Jay Cross, president, Hudson Yards, a Related Oxford venture, by Andrew Cooke, vice president Property Management with Hines of Morgan Stanley.

A special thanks to Master of Ceremonies CBS2News Chief Weathercaster Lonnie Quinn; Charlie Rizzo, principal of The Rizzo Group; Grand Patron sponsor, Hudson Yards, a Related Oxford venture; and all the sponsors who made the evening possible.

DRI Director Dr. Camillo Ricordi (first row center) joins the entire Empire Ball Committee for a photo.

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GOLD COAST CONCOURS DRIVES IN THOUSANDS OF SUPPORTERS AND FUNDS FOR THE DRI Hundreds of exotic cars took center stage at the 6th Annual Gold Coast Concours/ Bimmerstock event in the city of Glen Cove, NY, on Sunday, September 14, 2014. Presented by Martino Auto Concepts and Exotics4Life.com, the popular annual show also attracted thousands of spectators and helped raise more than $71,000.

1) Sea Cliff Mayor Bruce Kennedy, Nassau Country Legislator and DRI board member Delia DiReggi-Whitton, GCC Co-chair Jon Holzer, Glen Cove Mayor Reginald Spinello, DRIF NE Region Director Tony Childs, GCC Co-chair Joe LaPadula, DRIF NE Board Co-chair Bruce Siegel and Anthony Jimenez. 2) Some of the custom cars on display during the event.

Working together with local officials, Co-chairpersons Joe LaPadula and Jon Holzer of Martino Auto Concepts/ Exotics4Life.com and their team closed the streets of Glen Cove to traffic and displayed an exciting array of 650 custom automobiles – which included Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and BMWs. Spectators also enjoyed food, drinks, live music from the Roslyn School of Rock and local bands The Lazy Dogs and The Rolling Stoned. Sweepstake prizes included an Insignia 48in LED TV, two BMW bicycles, golf for four at Glen Cove Municipal Golf Course and more during this fun event.

These sponsors also helped make the event a true success: Gold Sponsors Competition BMW, Monticello Motor Club, PPG/Single Source Prestige BMW and Rallye BMW; and Silver Sponsors Ai Media, Deluxe Car Storage, Leone Homes Management Corp., Long Island Industrial, Mobile Sudz and the Chironis Family. To date, the car show has helped raise more than $338,000 to help find a cure for diabetes.

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EVENTS

Buy In for a Cure

Novice and experienced poker players tried their luck for a great cause at the 2014 Buy In for a Cure Texas Hold’em Tournament at The Garden City Hotel in New York, where they helped raise more than $54,000 for the DRI. Participants put on their best poker faces in an attempt to become tournament champion while enjoying fine cigars, wines, spirits and food – as well as chances at winning other prizes and sweepstakes. Congratulations were extended to first and second place winners: Michael Laskin and Lance Steinberg. Pictured are Event Committee Member Eric Reeps and Event Chairman Allan L. Pashcow.

Young Professionals Happy Hour at Tantra Some of South Florida’s brightest and most successful young professionals gathered for happy hour at the trendy Tantra Restaurant and Lounge in South Beach to raise funds for the DRI. The event was hosted by DRI Foundation President and CEO Joshua Rednik, Ryan Butler from the Meltzer Group, and Sammy Alkoubey – who has T1D – of Grand Properties International. The young pros enjoyed an evening of mingling and discussed the work of the DRI over drinks. Josh also took the chance to thank Ryan and Sammy for organizing the event and talked about the importance of funding research to reach a cure. Pictured are DRIF's Melissa Peña with (l-r) David Greenberg, Sammy Alkoubey, and Gabriel Peña.

Bonnie Sher’s That’s What Miracles are All About For one-night only, singer, actress, dancer, and Sammy Davis Jr.’s Protégé Bonnie Sher (pictured performing) put on a special show benefiting the DRI in June. Bonnie, who has T1D, performed a special “That’s What Miracles are All About, a tribute to Lena Horne” set in front of a large crowd at the Catalina Club in Los Angeles. Bonnie and her family have been supporters of the DRI for more than 40 years, and this was one special way of continuing her family’s tradition of giving back to the Institute. Bonnie plans to do a series of performances throughout the U.S. to raise funds for the DRI.

Rod Gilbert DRI Golf Classic It was another sold-out Rod Gilbert DRI Golf Classic this summer at the scenic Pine Hollow Country Club in East Norwich, NY August 11, 2014. Approximately 150 golfers joined New York Rangers Legend Rod Gilbert (center) at this annual event, benefiting the DRI and held in memory of Anthony John Vitale and Helaine Shari White.

Tournament Directors Eric Reeps and Bob Zuckerman and the committee gave golfers a great day on the green, delicious dinner, and live auction – which helped raise much-needed funds for the DRI. Rod served as Honorary Chairman once again and Elliot Ward was this year’s honoree. Sportscaster Sal Marchiano was on site to support the DRI and recognized Rod as one of hockey's greats. The event raised $176,000.

Haute Tea Wearing fine hats atop their heads and hearts on their sleeves, event Co-chairs Jillian Posner (left) and Dr. Stacy Chimento (right), along with the Young Society of Love and Hope welcomed 250 of Miami's most powerful players, celebrities, and socialites to their sold-out third annual Haute Tea luncheon at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. The British-themed event, which was held in honor of Love and Hope International Chairman Linda Gibb (center), proved to be everyone’s cup of tea and helped raise more than $70,000 for the DRI – surpassing last year’s total by more than $10,000. Miami HEAT TV Host and Courtside Reporter Jason Jackson acted as event auctioneer, and the hat contest judges included WSVN's Deco Drive Co-anchor Shireen Sandoval, Suzy Buckley Woodward, and Annie Vazquez.

Cocktails for a CURE The Besner Family hosted another fabulous Cocktails for a CURE fundraiser in New York City at the Hudson Terrace nightclub. The evening, held annually in honor of their daughter, Willa, who was diagnosed with T1D at 4 years old, featured wine and spirits, food, music and dancing. They were honored that more than 200 friends and family joined them in their fight for a cure. Leslie Hsu and Greg Besner, and even little sister Lana, all did their part to make it a success and helped raise $40,000 for the DRI on behalf of Willa’s Wish Foundation. Pictured is Willa speaking to the crowd while her sister and parents look on.

Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run More than 10,000 motorcycle enthusiasts descended upon Key West on September 18-21, 2014 for the 42nd Annual Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run benefiting the DRI. Participants received poker sheets when they registered to ride, and drew cards at designated stops along the route through the Keys competing for cash prizes and a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. They also got a chance to display their bikes and enjoy a “Biker Bash” party. Phil Peterson and his family have raised more than half a million dollars for the DRI throughout the popular event’s history. Pictured are Phil’s sons Dirk Peterson (left) and Drew Peterson (right) with winner Terry Capsick (center).

Pig Roast for a Cure A crowd of hungry family and friends gathered this fall for the annual Pig Roast for a Cure, hosted by the Otten Family in East Islip, NY. The delicious food fest was started by Michael and Gigi Otten in support of their son, Nicholas, who has type 1 diabetes. Guests enjoyed brews, roasted pork cooked with love, raffles, and a good time outside under a large, white tent. Since it began in 2005, this family-driven event has raised nearly $200,000 for the DRI. Pictured with Michael (right) is DRI Foundation vice president and Diabetes Dad Tom Karlya (left).

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EVENTS

Young Professionals Happy Hour at Biricchino

Career-minded men and women from across NYC joined the DRI’s New York Young Professionals for a meet-and-greet at Biricchino restaurant in midtown Manhattan on September 30. Longtime supporters the Inserra Family generously underwrote the event, and Biricchino’s Paulie Valetutti and family graciously hosted the reception and provided ample and delicious food and drink.

Young Professionals’ Chair Lindsey Inserra (second from left) spoke about her involvement with the DRI and the Young Professionals, and encouraged guests to join the revived committee. Also pictured are Maggie Luebs, Haley Magnett, and Liz Rubin.

The Donaldson Organization Golf Outing On October 6, the famed Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, NY, played host to the Fourth Annual Donaldson Organization Golf Outing. Nearly 300 golfers played on two courses throughout the day, and more guests joined them for dinner. Thanks to lead sponsor Bob Donaldson (pictured far right) and the hard work and generosity of many others, the event raised more than $600,000. Honorees included Timothy J. Flynn, vice president of Construction at Hines; and William J. Gilbane, Jr., vice chairman of Gilbane Building Company.

During the program, Doug Donaldson (far left), Bob's son, spoke emotionally about how much he is looking forward to the day a cure is found for his son, Matthew, and millions of others. Also pictured are Taylor, Matthew and Ty Donaldson, along with Doug's wife, Sheri, and Bob's wife, Christie.

Empire Ball Kick Off The New York Real Estate Division of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation held an intimate reception at The Durst Organization's NYC headquarters to kick off celebrations of the 31st year of support for diabetes research. Chairman Peter L. Dicapua (pictured) took the time to present crystal Cycle of Discovery Awards to several generous donors. He then introduced committee members and past honorees to the 2014 Empire Ball Honorees: L. Jay Cross, president, Hudson Yards, a Related Oxford venture; Stephen M. Soviero, senior managing director, Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.; and Frederick C. Horwood, assistant general counsel of Time Warner Inc. The 31st annual Empire Ball was held on December 10th at the Grand Hyatt in NYC (see pg 19).

All In for a Cure Players went All In for a Cure at the Grand Havana Room in midtown Manhattan and helped raise more than $300,000 for the DRI at the annual Texas Hold ‘em poker event on November 4, 2014. More than 200 attendees enjoyed fine wines, spirits and cigars, while taking in scenic views of Manhattan and playing lively hands of poker. In its seven-year history, the event has grossed well over $2 million.

Pictured are event Co-chairs (l-r) Greg Rosenberg, Troy Gregory, Jordan Dickstein, Ricardo Salmon and Samantha Shanken Baker, along with DRIF’s Josh Rednik.

Not pictured is co-chair Isaac Khafif. Congratulations were extended to this year’s first-place finisher, Puneet Pardasani, and second-place contender, Dr. Greg Diamond.

Fall Into Fashion Long Islanders proved that philanthropy is always in style at the 16th Annual Fall Into Fashion Luncheon & Fashion Show benefiting the DRI at the beautiful Garden City Hotel on November 6, 2014. Guests enjoyed the unveiling of St. John of Americana Manhasset’s 2015 Resort Collection in a runway show that dazzled the audience, plus a wonderful lunch and moving speeches. The event honored Betsy and Shawn Elliott and helped raise $234,000 for the DRI. Pictured are Co-chairs Korey Liebman, Eileen Zinn, and Fran Helfant, NE Region Board Co-chair Bruce Siegel and Journal Chair Roberta Helfant. Underwriting Sponsor Roberta and Bruce Waller & Family were also recognized that afternoon.

Love and Hope Preview Party South Florida philanthropists danced the night away at the 41st Annual Love and Hope Preview Party at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. The evening kicked off the fundraising season of the Love and Hope Committee, which has helped raise over $1 million annually for the DRI through its two signature events, including the Love and Hope Ball. Led by Executive Chairman Sandra Levy (left), the celebration raised awareness and funding for the DRI. During the dinner program, honorees for the Valentine’s Day ball were announced: 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. Pictured with Sandra are her husband Sid (left) and DRI Director Dr. Camillo Ricordi.

Champions for Charity Co-chaired by Dara Melnick (left) and Edra Tepper (right), the 2014 Champions for Charity was the most fashionable way to kick-off the holiday season and benefit the DRI at Tory Burch Americana Manhasset. DRI supporters enjoyed an evening of shopping while enjoying delectable hors d’oeurvres and champagne – with proceeds going to the cure-focused research at the DRI. Champions for Charity has helped raise millions for nonprofit organizations like the DRI during its 19-year history.

NE Holiday Reception Holiday cheer was in abundance on December 11, 2014 at the Muttontown Club, East Norwich, for the DRI Foundation's annual Northeast Holiday Reception, hosted by Roberta and Bruce Waller. More than 70 friends, volunteers, donors, and board members came together to celebrate the season, enjoy the delectable cuisine and share a very special evening. Bruce Siegel began the evening by thanking the Wallers, who were later presented with the Perpetuation Award, for their generous support of the DRI. DRIF Chairman Harold Doran and President/CEO Josh Rednik were also on site to present several other awards to guests (see pages 6-9). Pictured with Bruce and Roberta are Dara Melnick and Jeremy Melnick.

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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 DRI Walk Presented by Walgreens March 7, 2015 / FLORIDA Thousands of families will join The DRI Walk for Diabetes & Family Fun Day Presented by Walgreens at two locations: in Miami at the Marlins Park and in Port St. Lucie at Tradition Square. Enjoy music, free giveaways, refreshments, and health booths while supporting the DRI. Kids’ Carnival for a Cure March 15, 2015 / LONG ISLAND This afternoon of fun for the entire family will be held at Dave and Buster’s and feature a special appearance by Disney star Skai Jackson, plus video games, inflatables, face painting, buffet lunch and more.

Vince Wilfork Draft Day April 2015 / FLORIDA New England Patriot’s Superstar Vince Wilfork and his wife, Bianca, will play

DRIfocus Marketing & Communications Dept.

Lori Weintraub, APR Lauren Schreier Joelle Parra Laurie Cummings

host once again to an annual draft day Palate, this spectacular four-course, fundraiser that takes place in Boston, with gourmet dinner, prepared by chefs the DRI serving as one of the beneficiaries. cooking tableside, will be paired with specially selected wines. The night will Cooking for a Cure also feature a live and silent auction of April 20, 2015 / LONG ISLAND rare, fine wines, and a wine pull.

To be held at The View Grill in Glen Cove, this tasteful event includes an Crystal Ball auction, sweepstakes drawing and May 2, 2015 / LONG ISLAND live entertainment.

This annual black-tie gala always sparkles with a fabulous cocktail Shell Key West Challenge reception, gourmet dinner, auctions, April 24-27, 2015 / FLORIDA dancing and more at the beautiful Shell employees, wholesalers and Garden City Hotel. corporate sponsors will enjoy three days of fun, relaxation and heated Cycle for Lanie competition in the waters surrounding May 3, 2015 / NEW YORK the Florida Keys while supporting Held in memory of Helaine White, this the DRI. 15-mile bike-a-thon will be held in five boroughs of New York City and inOut of the Kitchen cludes a group picnic. This is a 42-mile, May 1, 2015 / FLORIDA traffic-free ride through the streets, Taking the place of Pleasures of the highways and bridges of New York City.

D.R.E.a.M.S. in the city May 5, 2015 / NEW YORK The tenth annual event will feature specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing, silent auction, and a mission-based live auction.

Don Strock Diabetes Classic May 13, 2015 / FLORIDA Football legend Don Strock will join forces with the local produce industry at the 32nd annual event. This tournament is one of South Florida’s longest running celebrity/amateur charity golf tournaments.

A publication of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.

Winter 2015 / Volume 42 / Issue 1 Contributors 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