On November 1st, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation launched its “Reason to Believe” campaign, giving those with diabetes and their families continued hope for a cure.Kicking off National Diabetes Awareness Month, Reason to Believe, or r2b, emphasizes oursingular focus on curing diabetes and unique research philosophy while raising criticalfunds for the DRI.

The Reason to Believe story is told through a series of videos that can be viewed at Reason2Believe.org. Parents like Jenn and Jared Tacher of Pembroke Pines, FL, whose 3-year-old son, Jace, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just over a year ago, believe thatone day he will be free from the burdens of this disease.

“I just look into my son’s eyes and I see a story of hope, and the DRI has been a provider ofthat because I see the research that they do,” says Jenn. “I definitely, definitely have a reason tobelieve. There is hope; there’s definitely so much work being done to help those who suffer.”

The discovery of a biological cure – restoring natural insulin production to normalize bloodsugar levels – would free patients from the daily demands of this disease. The DRI and

DRIfocus

Harold Doran of Kentucky will lead the National Board of Directors.

> Article on page 2

Longtime supporterShirley Harris recentlymade a multi-milliondollar planned gift.

> Article on page 4

Danielle Knox of TheBalancing Act hosts DRI segments and more during Diabetes Awareness Month!

> Article on pages 12

DRI’s Dr. JuanDominguez-Bendala isUnder the Microscope.

> Article on page 9

Miami / New York / Long Island / California / Washington, D.C.

Tune in to Lifetime Stem Cell-ebrity

Join us on social media!

Major NIH Grant

DRI’s Dr. Norma Kenyonis awarded a multi-center NIH grant.

> Article on page 1 & 11

Continued on Page 6 Continued on Page 11

A New Chairman Her Generous Heart

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Fall 2011 / Volume 39 / Issue 1

DIABETES RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOUNDATION’S SOLE FOCUS ON A CURE AT HEART OF “REASON TO BELIEVE”

MAJOR NIH GRANT TO ADVANCE DRI’S TRANSPLANT IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH

Building upon their preliminary workwith mesenchymal stem cells, the DRI’sDr. Norma Kenyon and Dr. AmeliaBartholomew from the University of Illinois/Chicago have been awarded amajor, multi-center grant from theNational Institutes of Health to advancetheir work with mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) to improve transplant acceptance.The five-year grant will focus on the effects of MSCs in the settings of cellularand kidney transplantation.Dr. Kenyon and Dr. Bartholomew arelong-time collaborators in the use ofMSCs to improve transplant acceptanceand long term function. This is theirsecond collaborative grant and followstheir findings published in the journalDiabetes last fall.

A Messagefrom the Chairman

Dear Friends,

I am honored to serve as the new chairman of the Diabetes ResearchInstitute Foundation’s National Board of Directors and look forwardto working with our outstanding leadership, volunteers, faculty andstaff as we continue to pursue a cure for diabetes.

Finding a cure became my personal mission almost two decades agowhen my son, Will, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 2. Likeso many other families, my wife, Kelly, and I searched for an organi-zation that demonstrated the same urgency and commitment tothis mission that we have.

We found this and more at the DRI, where world-class scientists areat the forefront of diabetes research. The progress they’ve made hasbeen nothing short of extraordinary, as evidenced by the accomplish-ments reported in this issue of DRIfocus, including the major Na-tional Institute of Health grant awarded to Dr. Norma Kenyon andcollaborators (page 11), the progress of our stem cell developmentteam, as summarized by Dr. Juan Dominguez-Bendala (page 9), and more.

I have a Reason to Believe in a cure for Will and millions of other children and adults living with diabetes. That’s why I’m particularlyproud to introduce our new Reason to Believe campaign that waslaunched on November 1st.

As you read in the cover story, parents, patients and researchers alikehave a Reason to Believe in a cure thanks to the advancements beingmade at DRI. We invite you to hear their stories at Reason2Believe.organd find your reason to believe as well. You can help us reach our goalfaster by supporting the DRI’s cure-focused research initiatives witheither an online donation or through the mail.

We are grateful for the many generous donors whose significant contributions are helping to accelerate progress. People like ShirleyHarris (page 4), who is one of the Foundation’s most enthusiastic supporters, has committed an exceptional legacy gift of $3 million.Shirley’s longtime support of the DRI is an example for others to follow.

The Donaldson family became involved with the DRI to help find acure for Matthew, 6, who was diagnosed at age 3. Their generous con-tributions and passionate involvement is making a huge differencefor us (page 6). As a result of their commitment, the DRI was namedthe beneficiary of the successful Donaldson Organization Golf Out-ing this year.

Several other major contributors recently received their Cycle of Discovery Award (page 8) in recognition of their generosity.

Numerous events, like DAD’s Day, The Crystal Ball and so many others offer an important and steady stream of revenue. Corporatesupport from companies like Walgreens in Florida, under the leader-ship of Market Vice President Roy Ripak, is providing significant fund-ing for our research.

On behalf of the DRI and Foundation, I want to thank everyone whohas taken the time to help the DRI in some way, large or small. Wehope we can count on your ongoing support that gives all of us aReason to Believe.

Sincerely,

Harold DoranChairman of the Board

HAROLD DORAN ELECTED NATIONAL BOARD CHAIRMANThe Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is pleased to announcethe appointment of Harold G. Doran, Jr., as chairman of the NationalBoard of Directors. Serving on the National Board since 2005, he previously held the position of treasurer, chaired the financecommittee and chairs the planned giving committee.

A veteran of the banking industry, Harold has more than 30 yearsof experience. Though retired, he continues to serve on severalcorporate and philanthropic boards and is a strong supporter of hiscommunity.

Harold served as president and chief executive officer of The PeoplesBank of Murray in Murray, KY, from 1988 to 2000 and started his career there in 1977. He currently serves on several boards of directors,including Investors Heritage Capital Corporation, Investors HeritageLife Insurance Co., Murray State University Foundation and theMurray-Calloway Economic Development Corporation.

Additionally, he has held various leadership positions with severalorganizations, including chairman of the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority and the Bank of Lyon County; president of the Murray State University Alumni Association andthe Four Rivers Scout Council(BSA); vice chairman of the DeesBank of Hazel; director of the Bank of Livingston County, KYtrustee of the National Scouting Museum (BSA); and member ofthe Leadership Kentucky Class 1988.

Harold received a Bachelor of Science in Business at Murray StateUniversity in 1975 and earned a Masters of Business Administrationfrom the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1977.

He is married to Kelly Williams Doran, a retired mathematics in-structor at Murray State University. The couple has two children,Sarah and Will, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1994 atthe age of 2.

The Diabetes Research Institute Foundationis pleased to announce the appointment ofone new officer to the National Board andthree new members to regional boards.

William (Bill) Fishlinger of Manhasset, NY, has been elected to treasurer of the NationalBoard, which he joined in 2008. He is the chair-man and chief executive officer of Wright RiskManagement Company, Inc., along with thenewly formed WRM Holdings and is also thesenior partner and president of the law firm ofCongdon, Flaherty, O'Callaghan, Reid, Donlon,Travis & Fishlinger. Bill has been recognizedfor the creation of some of the most innova-tive and successful risk financing vehiclesand has lectured extensively. A graduate ofSt. John's University School of Law and theState University of Maryland, he also servedin the United States Air Force.

Completely committed to a cure, Bill serveson the National Board’s Finance Committeeand on the Long Island Regional Board, wherehe is a member of the Executive Committee.Bill and his wife, Joan, acted as chairs of theCrystal Ball in 2006 and 2007 and were hon-ored at the 2011 event as the first recipientsof the Distinguished Service Award. Together,they established the Future Leadership Foun-dation, whose mission is to control, preventand cure juvenile diabetes and other condi-tions that threaten the future of young peo-ple. They have a son, Matt, and a daughter,Ali, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetesat the age of 6.

Northeast Board member Jennifer (Jenna)Dorn became chief executive officer of theAmerican Academy of Physician Assistants inAlexandria, VA, on October 31st.  Just prior, Jennawas senior fellow at Washington, D.C.’s PotomacResearch Group.  Prior to that, Jenna was president and chief executive officer of D.C.’s National Academy of Public Administration,where, among other accomplishments, sheled a $10 million annual revenue organizationto profitability for the first time in five years.

Previously, Jenna served as the U.S. representa-tive on the International Board of Directors ofThe World Bank. Jenna was appointed by thePresident of the United States and confirmed bythe U.S. Senate to oversee $20 billion annuallyin loans and grants and to give policy advice,technical assistance and knowledge-sharingservices to some 100 low- and middle-incomecountries. She earned a Master of Arts inPublic Administration from the University ofConnecticut and a Bachelor of Arts in Jour-nalism from Oregon State University.

Northeast Board member Lindsey Inserra is a

Social Worker at Hoboken University MedicalCenter, a recent graduate of New York Univer-sity’s Silver School of Social Work and has vol-unteered and worked in the field of mentalhealth for the last eight years. In 2009, Lindseybecame a founding member of Act1 Diabetes(Adults Coping with Type 1 Diabetes), whichprovides services to the adult diabetes com-munity. Lindsey also works closely with herparents, Bonnie Inserra and Larry Inserra, Jr.,to determine the philanthropic direction ofThe Inserra Family Foundation and looks forward one day to joining the family business,Inserra Supermarkets.

Lindsey’s true passion is her work with theDRI, which has been a part of her life sinceshe was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes atthe age of 11. Since her first experience there,she has felt it to be a place of hope. Afteryears of observing her mother’s fundraisingefforts on the DRI’s behalf, Lindsey joined theYoung Professionals Committee of the DRIFoundation and presently serves as chair,helping to plan and sponsor events aimed at a new generation of DRI supporters.

Long Island Board member Bruce Siegel is executive vice president and general counselof First Long Island Investors, LLC. He beganhis career as an attorney with the U.S. Securi-ties and Exchange Commission. Bruce workedin private practice with a New York City lawfirm, was assistant general counsel for a public company and managed the PartnershipReview Group for Merrill Lynch Pierce Fennerand Smith. Bruce graduated from CornellUniversity in 1970 and received a J.D. degreefrom New York University Law School in 1974.

Bruce lives in Manhattan with his wife,Rachel. They have a son, Jason, 30, and adaughter, Sara, 27, who has type 1. The familyis truly dedicated to finding a cure for Saraand the millions of other families dealingwith diabetes.

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The DRI Foundation is pleased to welcome Amy Epstein as director ofSpecial Events for the Northeast regional office. She comes to us aftereight years at The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Metro New York, six

of which were spent as the manager of Special Events and Development. In this capacity,Amy planned and facilitated many different types of events, including their annual gala, numerous golf outings and many other diverse activities.

She has strong expertise in all phases of fundraising, communication, volunteer managementand production, while fostering and cultivating corporate, foundation and individual donors.Before Make-A-Wish®, Amy was a production manager on various event teams for companies in and around NYC and worked as a stage manager and as a casting associate in DC and NYC.

Born and raised in Maryland, Amy received both her BA and Masters at American University in Washington, DC. She currently resides in West Orange, NJ, with her husband, Steve, and is“tremendously excited to be working with the DRI Foundation because of its cure-focused mission.”

1. William Fishlinger, 2. Jenna Dorn, 3. Lindsey Inserra, 4. Bruce Siegel.

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NEW STAFF MEMBERIN THE NORTHEAST

NEW OFFICER, DIRECTORS TO SERVE ON BOARDS

If you have named the DRI Foundation inyour will or in your estate plans (such as a

retirement plan, life insurance, gift annuity or trust), you are eligiblefor membership in the DRI Heritage Society. Those who have madeplanned gifts through the DRI Foundation are the powerful sustainingheartbeat of the DRI’s research programs. By declaring your charitableintentions, you are allowing us to express our gratitude to you whileinspiring others to support the Diabetes Research Institute in a similarmanner. DRI Heritage Society members are recognized in perpetuity

on a designated Wall of Honor at the Diabetes Research Institute.Members are also presented with a distinctive Heritage Societyaward and are listed in our annual report. (Requests for anonymitywill be honored.)

As a token of our appreciation, new members who join the DRI Heritage Society by December 31, 2011 will receive an additional special memento. For more information, please contact Jill ShapiroMiller, vice president of gift planning, at (800) 321-3437.

LET US PAY TRIBUTE TO YOU!

Shirley Harris, one of the Diabetes Research Institute’s most enthusiastic supporters, reconfirmed her commitment to the organization with an extraordinary legacy gift of $3 million. Thisgift will help to ensure that research to find a cure for diabetes will continue beyond her lifetime.

“The DRI Foundation is proud to recognize and express our gratitudeto Shirley Harris for her devotion to supporting a biological, universalcure for diabetes,” said Robert A. Pearlman, president and CEO. “Inhonor of her vision and generosity, we have dedicated the ShirleyHarris Administrative Pavilion at the DRI and installed a permanenttribute to her in the lobby of the DRI. Shirley’s magnificent gift willserve as a legacy to her generosity and a reminder to all who havethe pleasure of knowing her.”

Shirley is one of the earliest members of the DRI Heritage Society,which recognizes those who have provided for the DRI Foundationin their estate plans. With this gift, Shirley joins the Foundation’sprestigious Leadership Council.

Originally from New York, Shirley became a South Florida snowbirdmore than 30 years ago. She first learned of the DRI after her grandsonwas diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She called every diabetes organization to gather information about the disease.

“After losing my father to diabetes and seeing the challenges my 2-year-old grandson was facing upon being diagnosed, I knew I hadto do my part and help find a cure,” she said.

Once she heard more about the DRI and its mission, she immediatelyvolunteered to help raise money for the Institute’s work. Soonafter, she took a tour of the DRI facility and met all of the scientistswho explained the research under way toward a cure.

Shirley started collecting contributions on street corners duringthe DRI Foundation’s legendary “Hi-Way Holdup” event. She

wanted to do much more and became involved with Love andHope, first attending the Preview Party and Ball, and then beingrecognized as the Love Honoree, the Hope Honoree and twice asthe Gold Star. Shirley has made dear friends through Love andHope and enjoys socializing with members of the committee. Shewill receive their highest honor at the upcoming event on February18, 2012.

“We will be honoring Shirley as the Grand Humanitarian Honoreeof the 2012 Love and Hope Ball in recognition of her gift and herdecades of philanthropic support,” said Sonja Zuckerman, LifeChairman of the Love and Hope Committee.

A self-made businesswoman, Shirley spent her entire career in theretail trade, successfully starting various enterprises. Back in the1960s, she and her late husband owned the Debbie Shops, a chainof women’s clothing stores in the South. She eventually sold thebusiness to open her own buying office for ladies ready-to-wearclothing, becoming a purchasing representative for Allied DepartmentStores of Georgia. After 24 years, she retired in 1993.

Still dividing her time between New York and Florida, she attendsevery DRI Foundation event that she can in both states. Shirleyspeaks her mind with honesty and conviction, and she’ll tell anyonewho will listen how important the DRI is to her. She has often said,"There isn't anything I wouldn't do for the DRI."

“People have to be alerted to the fact that they can make a mean-ingful donation in this way and leave their money to their childrenand to charity,” she said. “You have to give back some of whatyou’ve got.”

Shirley’s philosophy of “lead by example” is one that has definedher life…both in business and in philanthropy. We are proud to callher our friend.

SHIRLEY HARRIS MAKES EXTRAORDINARY LEGACYGIFT FOR THE CURE

Shirley Harris will serve as the Grand Humanitarian at the 2012Love and Hope Ball in recognition of her generous legacy gift.

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As always, Diabetes Diplomats aren’t just waiting fora cure, they’re aiming for it! Now in an internationaleffort, students, families and even professional athletesare organizing grassroots projects to be a part of theDRI Foundation’s Reason to Believe (r2b) campaign.These fundraisers kicked off with Diabetes Aware-ness Month in November and run through the end of the year.

Gaining the most popularity is a school site educationaland fundraising program that includes a walkathon,assembly and online fundraising page. DiabetesDiplomats across the United States and even in Canadaand Peru are already implementing the program intotheir own schools and communities.

Just as the moniker of Diabetes Diplomats declares,this project enables the student to Be the Hero byplaying a central role in these school-based activities.Making it simple for Diabetes Diplomats, the DRIFoundation supplies everything needed to custom-design the program for each school.

In Elkton, MD, Wendy Cooper has put a spin on theschool project by making it age appropriate for her 3-year-old, Lilliana, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 15 months. A Reason to Jump... A Reason toBelieve in a Cure! will be held in Newport, DE, on January17, 2012, at Pump It Up, a gigantic indoor inflatablefilled arena. Preschoolers will jump and play to theirhearts content while learning about diabetes.

Many sponsors, including Animas, LifeScan, Childrenwith Diabetes and Diabetes Health, have also joinedthe Diabetes Diplomats r2b effort. Even Animas Heroesare signing on to become Diabetes Diplomats. Alreadycommitted are: 7-time Ironman triathlon finisher AndyHolder (Iron Andy) of East Norriton, PA; LPGA golferKelli Kuehne of Salt Lake City, UT; and PBA bowlerRyan Shafer of Horseheads, NY; plus diabetes bloggersKerri Sparling (Six Until Me) of Providence, RI; andWendy Rose (Candy Hearts Blog) of Phoenix, AZ.

In Texas, Joshua Flores also has r2b…and a reason toremember. On May 12, 2011, he lost his father withtype 2 diabetes, Moses Flores Junior, to an automobileaccident. In the final months of his life, Moses hadbeen striving for better health and training for a 5K.Following suit and commemorating his father’s life,Joshua decided to run his first race, the GalvestonSand Crab 10K Nighttime Beach Run, scheduled forAugust 13, 2011, the day his father would have turned

59. The extreme heat kept more than one third of theparticipants from completing the Run, so when Joshcrossed the finish line near the front of his division, itwas that much more inspirational to his friends andfamily who greeted him with cheers. Appropriately,he was recognized with the Galveston Sand Crab In-spiration Award. In memory of Moses, the celebrationcontinued at Brickhouse Tavern, where Josh thankedhis supporters for their donations, which totalednearly $4,500.

In California, Tonya Homme’s r2b has a name – Charlotte. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 23 months,Charlotte is now off to school, and Tonya is busy witha new business called Tips4Type1, which she createdin her daughter’s honor. Coupling two shades of nailpolish, Tips of Steel and True Blue Hope, Tips4Type1delivers pretty nails along with diabetes awareness.Charlotte even helps her mom package the orders up and ship them out across the country. Proceedsbenefit DRI, and as Tonya said, “It is our hope that notonly will we raise money for diabetes research, but alsothat by wearing these colors we can start conversationsthat will help educate others about type 1 diabetes.”To purchase yours, visit www.Tips4Type1.com.

Jonny Greenwald in Florida stated that it is notenough that moms, dads and people with diabeteschoose to do something. He believes siblings canmake a difference also. When he was 9 years old his little sister, Lexi, was diagnosed with type 1. Brotherly love has turned into action, and he is creating his own fundraising page to help find a cure for his sister. He invites other siblings to do the same at DiabetesResearch.org/DiabetesDiplomats.

These are just a few of the individuals and familieswho have r2b in a cure for diabetes and a reason tobe a Diabetes Diplomat. But it’s not too late for you!And it’s as easy as…

1. Contact DRIF VP & Diabetes Dad Tom Karlya atTomKarlya@DRIF.org.

2. Tell us your r2b and project idea.

3. Work together with us to raise funds and awarenessfor the DRI!

FOR DIABETES DIPLOMATS, PARTICIPATING IN R2B IS AS EASY AS 1 2 3!

1. Lilly Cooper, whosemom is hosting an r2bevent, is pictured with DiabetesDad and DRIF VP Tom Karlya.

2. Joshua Flores created an online fundraising page andparticipated in a 10K in memoryof his father, Moses Flores Junior.

3. In honor of her daughter,Charlotte, Tonya Hommelaunched Tips4Type1, simulta-neously selling nail polish tobenefit DRI, and spreading diabetes awareness.

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Foundation is the only organization solelydedicated to finding a biological cure. DRIresearchers have made significant progress,having already demonstrated that insulinindependence can be achieved through isletcell transplantation, a procedure in whichthe insulin-producing cells from a donorpancreas are transplanted into patientswith diabetes. Though still experimental,islet transplantation is the most promisingmethod for reversing the disease and has

dramatically changed the lives of several patients who have participated in the DRI’sclinical transplantation trials.

Karla Edge, 50, of Pensacola, FL, who is featured in another video, is one such patient who has been living insulin-free for more than six years post-transplant. Diagnosed with type 1 at age 6, she is nowliving her dream.

“All they have to do is hear my story. I no

longer have the problems, I don’t have erraticblood sugars, and I have a second chance atlife,” she said. “I wish everyone with type 1could have this. They saved my life.”

While Karla’s story is a testament to theprogress being made toward a cure, it is theunique DRI philosophy that truly gives pa-tients and their families a Reason to Believe.

“Curing diabetes has been and will con-tinue to be our singular focus until that

Continued from Page 1REASON TO BELIEVE IN A CURE

Throughout New York City and beyond, TheDonaldson Organization is synonymous withunparalleled quality and timeless innovation,and has been a part of several highly-notedprojects like the renovation of the Museumof Modern Art, the New York Times Tower,the magnificent Resorts World Casino thatjust opened in Queens, plus Citi Field/NewYork Mets Stadium, to name a few. It’s oneof the largest interior contracting firms inthe U.S., but even greater than its body ofwork are the people at the heart of the

business, and one word that sums up whatthe company is all about – family.

At the helm are D. Robert (Bob) Donaldsonand son Douglas Donaldson, who serve as chairman and chief operating officer, respectively, and follow in the footsteps of a line of Donaldson fathers and sons. Theirfamily business, which started in 1906, is thetitle sponsor of a longstanding fundraisingevent at the elite Winged Foot Golf Club inMamaroneck, NY, that now benefits the Diabetes Research Institute. The DonaldsonOrganization Golf Outing raised upward of$650,000 for the DRI in 2011. (Read more onpage 19.)

“What made this year really outstanding,beyond the amount of money we raised,was to have my son, his wife and my threegrandkids with me,” Bob stated poignantly.All of his efforts are to help find a cure forhis middle grandchild, Matthew, who issoon-to-be 7 and was diagnosed with type 1diabetes three years ago. “Matthew helpedme give awards to the honorees, and it wasa very special moment. Everyone could seeand feel what this was all about and whywe changed the beneficiary to the DRI.”

“My father-in-law is unbelievable. He madethis his mission,” said Sheri Donaldson, whois also getting involved with fundraising forthe DRI through the Kids Party for a Cure eventon Long Island, while her husband, Doug,serves on the DRI Foundation’s Long Island Regional Board and has been involved withthe Empire Ball for years.

“It took us a while to get back on our feet afterMatthew was diagnosed, but since Doug was

already involved with the DRI, he immediatelyknew who to call,” said Sheri, who describestheir son, Matthew, in one word, “Unbeliev-able! Nothing slows him down. He’s a starfootball player, and he’s pretty easy-goingabout all of this.”

Sheri and Doug’s two other children, Taylor,9, and Ty, 3, also do their part. Taylor helpstake care of Matthew and “understandswhat the numbers mean,” while for Ty, it’sall he knows of his big brother since Sheriwas nearly 9-months pregnant at the timeof Matthew’s diagnosis.

But the family has a reason to believe thatone day the Diabetes Research Institute willfind a cure for Matthew and the millions ofothers living with diabetes.

“After you get past the shock, you try to makethe best of the situation,” Bob continued.“So, we’re doing what the Donaldson familydoes; we’re going to work real hard to get a cure.”

“Doug has really been spearheading this,and together we dove right in,” he said. Thetwo men traveled to the Diabetes ResearchInstitute in Miami. They toured the labs,spoke with the scientists and were “very impressed with what they saw.” Soon after,they decided to change the beneficiary oftheir annual golf outing.

Clearly a man who doesn’t mince words, Bobstated, “We looked at a bunch of diabetesorganizations, and we chose the DRI becausewe wanted to support a group that wasgoing to find the cure.”

TIGHT FAMILY AND HARD WORK – IT’S THE DONALDSON WAY

Bob Donaldson gives a big grandfather hug to (l-r) Taylor, Ty and Matthew, who has type 1 diabetes.

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goal is reached,” said Robert A. Pearlman,president and CEO of the DRI Foundation.“There is no other organization that finan-cially supports research that is 100 percentfocused on a cure. That is why those whoare serious and passionately committed tofinding a cure become a part of the DRIfamily. They can see and feel a shared missionto end this disease.”

According to DRI Scientific Director Dr. Camillo

Ricordi, a cure for diabetes can only comefrom maintaining an organizational commitment to staying completely cure-focused and by collaborating with othercenters worldwide.

“The only sure way to not find a cure is toabandon the search for a cure,” he says.“There is a sufficient element of progressin the last five years to justify our renewedinterest and enthusiasm in cure-focused

research and gives us a great hope that acure could be within reach,” he said.

If you share our Reason to Believe, please“don’t do nothing.” Visit Reason2Believe.orgto make a donation and/or become a Diabetes Diplomat by organizing your ownfundraising project. A $50,000 matching giftis being offered toward the r2b DiabetesDiplomats campaign.

These days, employees are demanding more fromtheir jobs. They want to work for a company that’smaking a difference in the world. But in order forpeople to feel engaged on a fundamental level, itoften takes senior management to create an idealand meaningful work culture. Roy Ripak, marketvice president of Walgreens, has done just that,and it’s his infectious enthusiasm and passion thathas ignited a movement throughout stores in thestate of Florida and beyond.

Under his leadership, Walgreens of Florida hashelped raise upward of $500,000 for the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute injust two short years since the partnership began.

“I have reason to believe that the Diabetes Research Institute can find a cure for diabetes, andI think that’s something that we can all easilystand behind, from our store managers, cashiersand pharmacists to the customers we assist everyday,” said Roy, who started his career at Walgreensin 1974 when he was just a teenager.

Roy continued to move up through the ranks of thecompany while working toward his Master’s degree at the University of Miami. It was partly theDRI’s affiliation with his alma mater that sparkedhis interest in the organization.

“Given that the DRI is right here in our own back-yard, I felt like our employees in Florida would reallybe able to connect with it. The fact that the DRI isa global leader in diabetes research just made iteven more compelling,” said Roy.

In the beginning, only South Florida stores werefundraising for the DRI by having collection canis-ters at cash registers and selling plush toys bearingFlorida college emblems. Then, thanks to the

efforts of Georgia Lehoczky, SouthFlorida market pharmacy director,the excitement began to spreadthroughout the state and parts ofGeorgia and Alabama with salesof “scannables” in various incre-ments, followed by the first-everWalk with Walgreens Family FunDay & Health Fair. Held simultane-ously at 14 locations, the successfulevents were organized by storemanager Clint Smethurst, who accepted the ambitious assignmentwith gusto. Already planning fornext year, Clint promises anotheramazing day of walkathons, which are slated forMarch 24, 2012.

Other Walgreens employees who have followedRoy’s lead are: South Florida store managers Victorand Tom Lehoczky, who engaged in a friendly siblingrivalry to see which brother’s store could raisemore money; Hollywood cashier Eileen Flanagan,who solicited the most donations through the canister collection at her register; Fort Lauderdalestore manager and community leader Dan Espinosa,who h as a child with type 1 and spearheaded hislocal walkathon with a powerful and passionatecommitment; and Miami Beach store manager SalSastre, who was wholeheartedly inspired and heldmultiple fundraising events at his location. Theseare just a few names; there are many more.

To the entire Walgreens family, from your DRI partners, we thank you for being a company that’smaking a difference.

WALGREENS’ ROY RIPAK LEADS WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE

Under the leadership of Roy Ripak, severalWalgreens employees have been inspiredby his passionate commitment to a cureand followed through by raising hundredsof thousands of dollars for the DRI.

Join us again in Florida for this fun familyevent on March 24, 2012!

FOUNDATION DONORS RECOGNIZEDAwards from the DRI Foundation’s Cycle of Discovery series and HeritageSociety plaques were presented to donors who recently made major giftsor planned gifts. The award program corresponds with the Foundation’scumulative giving designations. Some were presented individually, andothers were given out to contributors of The Empire Ball at a reception heldat The Durst Organization in New York City.

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5 7 8

10 119 12

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Visionaries $10,000,000+ InnovationChairman’s Council $5,000,000+ ValidationLeadership Council $1,000,000+ PerpetuationGovernors’ Society $500,000+ TranslationDistinguished

Humanitarians $250,000+ RealizationGrand Founders $100,000+ ExplorationFounders $50,000+ HypothesisBenefactors $25,000+ Query

DONOR LEVEL AWARD

REALIZATION: (1) Samantha Shanken Baker of M. Shanken Communications, Inc., accepted “Realization” on behalf of the Shanken Family Foundation and “Query” on behalf of herself and Michael Baker.

EXPLORATION: (2) Barbara Scott with DRIF’s Robert A. Pearlman, (3) Zeynep Inali of Quality BuildingServices Corp. with Empire Ball Chairman Peter L. DiCapua and Northeast Board Chairwoman Risa Pul-ver, (4) Bianca and Vince Wilfork of the New England Patriots with DRIF’s Brian Huether.

HYPOTHESIS: (5) Michael Landis of Schindler Elevator Corp., (6) Richard L'Esperance of Centennial Elevator Industries, Inc., (7) Bill Ryan of Lane Office accepting “Hypothesis” and “Query”.

QUERY AWARD: (8) Al Hart of Edmar Cleaning Corp., (9) Adam Homan of The Homan Foundation,(10) Pete Johnson of Quality First Produce, Inc., (11) Rich Locascio of Advanced Electronic Solutions, Inc.,(12) John Marcato of PS Marcato Elevator Co. (13) Brett Sundheim, accepting on behalf of her and herhusband, Daniel.

HERITAGE SOCIETY: (14) Lorrie Ann Knowles and her son, Richard Alan Knowles Gurwitz, who is anislet transplant recipient.

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DRI researchers have shown that replacingthe insulin-producing islet cells in patientswith long-standing diabetes can restorenatural insulin production, normalize bloodsugar control and eliminate the frighteninghypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodescommon in those requiring insulin therapy.

While we are extremely encouraged by thisprogress and the results of recent clinicalislet transplantation trials, we are not yetable to apply this procedure to all who couldbenefit. One of the major challenges is theshort supply of donor tissue.

At the DRI, we are pursuing several strategiesto develop an unlimited cell supply. A majorfocus is the use of stem cells. These “naïve”cells reproduce quickly and when given “instructions” have the potential to becomeany cell type of the body including insulin-producing cells.

Dr. Juan Dominguez-Bendala director of theStem Cell Development and TranslationalLab, launched our stem cell research programa decade ago, having come to the DRI fromthe Roslin Institute in Scotland where heworked on the team that cloned Dolly the sheep.

Q. How has stem cell research evolved atthe DRI since you started the program adecade ago?

A. There's no other discipline in the historyof medicine that has been advancing asfast as stem cell research. We continue tomake steady progress. We know we're onthe right track. We have reason to believethat this may be the next big breakthroughin medicine. The greatest challenge now isto make sure stem cell therapies are safe.

Q. How are you addressing the issue of safety?

A. Embryonic stem cells are considered thegold standard of all stem cells. They proliferate

at a remarkable rate, which makes them anideal candidate to alleviate the shortage of insulin-producing cells in persons withdiabetes. But when left unchecked, wildlydividing embryonic stem cells can cause tumors to form. We're working to eliminatethat risk by developing safer, more efficientprotocols for the use of these cells. We'regenetically engineering embryonic stemcells so that they contain "suicide genes"that will kill cells that keep dividing (leadingto the development of tumors) or don't produce insulin— a kind of double fail-safemechanism. We are in the process of building these cells so that we can move to the second phase, which is to test themin pre-clinical models.

Q. What other important advancements arebeing made in stem cell research at the DRI?

A. One of the things we've been focusingon is to identify alternate sources of stemcells. I collaborated with Dr. Luca Inverardito identify a unique population of stemcells from umbilical cord blood that can becoaxed into becoming insulin-producingbeta cells. They're easily obtained, plentiful,bankable and initial studies are promising.They behave in a manner that's similar toembryonic stem cells and we got insulin-producing cells in our studies. We just re-ported these findings in Cell Transplantationand we're very excited about the potentialfor these cells to alleviate the shortage ofinsulin-producing cells for transplant.

Another process we're studying will allow us to turn one type of cell directly into aninsulin-producing cell - in one step - as opposed to the progressive education ofstem cells. My colleague Dr. Ricardo Pastoriand I are testing ways to turn non-islet tissue of the pancreas, the acinar cells, intoinsulin-producing cells. Acinar cells areplentiful, making up almost 98 percent of

the pancreas, and typically discarded afteran islet isolation procedure, which makesthem a good candidate for consideration.And in a preliminary study we've just com-pleted, we used something called modifiedmessenger RNAs to reprogram these cellsinto insulin-producing cells. So we're veryexcited about that.

Throughout it all, one of the things I'm mostproud of is our discovery of the key role thatoxygen plays in the development of insulin-producing cells. We've long known oxygenwas essential to the function of beta cells,but we were the first ones to bring attentionto the critical role oxygen plays in the maturation of cells in the lab. We developeda device called the “oxygen sandwich” whichprovides maturing cells with an oxygen environment that’s more like their nativepancreas. As a result, maturing cells in theoxygen sandwich produced 30 times moreinsulin than those in traditional plastic culture containers, creating a greater supplyof islet cells for transplantation.

Q. How will this research lead us to a biological cure for diabetes?

A. Unlike many other diseases for which celltherapies are being proposed, diabetes isone disease for which we al ready have acell therapy: islet transplantation. We knowit works. We have the proof of principle thatif we can transplant cells that produce insulin,we will correct diabetes. But we cannot yetapply this technology to all the people whocan benefit from it. Stem cells offer hope to address the issue of supply and I ampersonally committed to making that a reality.

Read the entire interview with Dr. Bendalaat DiabetesResearch.org/UTMStemCells.You can also visit DiabetesResearch.org/Di-abetes2_0 to view research updates fromDr. Bendala and our other researchers.

UNDER THEMICROSCOPE

with Juan Dominguez-Bendala, Ph.D.

“There's no other discipline in the history of medicine thathas been advancing as fast as stem cell research.”

Research progress being made at the DRIand other centers worldwide was sharedwith scientists from across the globe at

the Cell Transplant Society - InternationalXenotransplantation Association conferencewhich took place in Miami from October 23 -26 and was chaired by DRI Scientific DirectorDr. Camillo Ricordi.

The gathering of world leaders in transplantscience comes at a time when there aremounting regulatory, economic, academicand legal impediments to research innova-tion. But according to Dr. Ricordi, there is stillreason to believe in a cure for diabetes. Insulin independence has already beenachieved through islet transplantation. Nowthe focus is to overcome the remaining challenges so that cell replacement therapy

will become a reality for all patients who canbenefit.

Several DRI scientists delivered presentationson research progress in the areas of toler-ance and immunomodulation; cell supply/alternative sources of insulin producing cells;tissue engineering, nanotechnology and biomaterials; cell biology; and clinical studies. To read more about the researchpresented by DRI scientists, please visit DiabetesResearch.org/UTM_Oct2011 for thelatest issue of our Under the Microscope e-newsletter. Sign up to be a DRInsider today and get the latest news and updatesfrom us!

It’s that time again for Diabetes 2.0, the DRI’s annual research update – presented online! If you want to learn the latest fromthe labs, you don’t need to travel any further than your own computer. Just visit DiabetesResearch.org/Diabetes2_0 to selectfrom the topics available. You’ll hear directly from DRI scientistsabout the latest developments and the progress toward a curemade just in the last year, including:

• Transplanting special cells called mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) together with islets, which has shown to prevent rejection, promote the growth of blood vessels, reduce harmfulinflammation and prolong islet function;

• Testing a newly-developed, biocompatible scaffold to housetransplanted insulin-producing cells, which has resulted inlong-term insulin independence in preclinical models;

DRI's Ricordi Chairs International Transplant ConferenceCURE-FOCUSED RESEARCH RESULTS PRESENTED TO GLOBAL AUDIENCE

The global alliance between Diabetes Re-search Institute and its partners at DiabetesResearch Institute Federation centers hasproduced a string of research results thathave been given cover stories in three of themost prestigious scientific journals in thecountry – Nature Medicine, Cell Metabolismand Science Translational Medicine – allwithin a period of about a month. A fourthstudy was released just days later in thehighly-competitive Proceedings of the Na-tional Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

While typically unheard of, even at the finestacademic institutions, this peer-reviewed ex-cellence garnered within a short amount oftime also demonstrates the strength andproductivity of the global collaboration

model, which has been the hallmark of the Diabetes Research Institute since its inception.

“The Diabetes Research Institute has be-come a hub of innovation, where like-minded scientists from all over the worldjoin forces to contribute to ‘outside the box’research geared to cure diabetes,” explainsCamillo Ricordi, M.D., scientific director of the DRI.

The vortex of scientific activity is the resultof a multi-year commitment made by theDRI and DRI Foundation to establish highlyintegrated international teams to advancecure focused diabetes research. These teamsevolved to what is today the DRI Federation,a network of collaborative scientists who

have formallyagreed to poolknowledge andwork together toovercome the tra-ditional barriers ofacademic compet-itiveness and geo-graphic distance.

The result of this collaborative network is a blessing for patients with diabetes, as the pace of research has quickened signifi-cantly as demonstrated by these leadingpublications.

To read highlights or view the published papers,visit DiabetesResearch.org/3topjournals.

@ DIABETES 2.0 >> ONLINE!

AROUND

THE DRI

DRI RESEARCH FEATURED ON COVERS OF THREE PRESTIGIOUS JOURNALS

Dr. Camillo Ricordi, who founded the Cell TransplantSociety and served as president, chaired the 2011Joint Congress.

11 |

• Developing oxygen-generating materials that provide islets withthis critical element until new blood vessels grow around thetransplanted cells;

• Discovering a new technology for reprogramming various celltypes in the body to become insulin producing cells;

• Passing into a new era of collaborative research by digitally bridging people and project teams around the world who work

in multiple disease disciplines, and focusing their expertise oncuring diabetes and other conditions…and much more.

Plus, you’ll be able to peek inside the labs and see the exciting workunder way. Share the videos with your friends on Facebook, ask questions and we’ll post the answers, and join the conversation bytweeting your comments using #Diabetes2_0. See you online!

In their previous preclinical study, Drs. Kenyon, Bartholomew andcolleagues demonstrated that transplant recipients who re-ceived mesenchymal stem cells together with the islets had dou-ble the function or more as compared to the study modelsreceiving islets alone. Additionally, MSCs have been shown tohave the ability to reverse the rejection process and minimizeharmful inflammation while promoting tissue repair, as well asthe blood vessel growth needed to transport oxygen and othernutrients to the islet cells.

In this new group of studies, titled Immunomodulatory and Re-generative Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Allografts, Drs.Kenyon and Bartholomew will team up with Drs. Daniel Salomonand Kenton McHenry to further the work on MSC by 1) deter-mining the optimal source of MSCs – whether these cells shouldcome from the recipient or from a third party; 2) verifying thatMSCs can consistently reverse rejection episodes – and if so, thendeveloping an MSC-based anti-rejection therapy; 3) analyzingMSCs for the specific characteristics that enhance transplantsurvival – since all MSCs are not identical, the optimal source ofMSCs needs to be identified for the transplant community; and4) completing islet and kidney pilot studies for inclusion in FDAInvestigation New Drug (IND) submissions.

The study is comprised of several components including:

• Project 1, Dr. Kenyon, focusing on cellular (islet) transplantation;• Project 2, Dr. Bartholomew, focusing on kidney transplantation;• Administrative Core, led by Dr. Kenyon.• Genomic and Proteomic Analyses Core, led by Dr. Daniel Salomon, Scripps Research Institute, California• Data Analyses Core, led by Dr. Kenton McHenry; University ofIllinois/Urbana-Champaign.

Cover story continues.MAJOR NIH GRANT

If you take a distribution from your IRA account or another qualifiedretirement account, the amount is included in your income for thatyear. For several years now, however, taxpayers aged 70½ and olderhave had the option to make a direct transfer of up to $100,000 fromtheir IRA accounts to a charitable organization—a “charitablerollover”— without the transfer being treated as a taxable distribu-tion to the account owner. Last year’s tax legislation extended thisoption through the 2011 tax year.

Even though an IRA charitable rollover is not deductible, the amountof the transfer is not included in the taxpayer’s income. Directlytransferring IRA funds (as opposed to taking a personal distributionand contributing the proceeds) can be beneficial in multiple ways:

• Some states do not allow separate itemized deductions for chari-table contributions, so a personal distribution would generatestate income tax in such situations.

• It provides a way if you have already made maximum deductiblecharitable contributions to further achieve your charitable goalswithout incurring federal income tax.

• It reduces the amount that you must take as a required minimumdistribution in subsequent years.

• You may use a direct IRA charitable rollover to satisfy some or all ofyour minimum distribution requirement—a factor that can savethe income taxes you would have paid on a taxable distribution.

You may use an IRA charitable rollover to make an outright gift only.Contributions to donor-advised funds or life-income gifts are not al-lowed.

As part of its “Living with Dia-betes” series airing throughoutNovember, The Balancing Acton Lifetime Television is featur-ing the Diabetes Research Institute in several segmentsto help educate viewersabout diabetes, managing the disease and the progressbeing made toward a cure.

In the first segment, “Raising a Child with Diabetes,” viewers willmeet Crystal Sanchez, mom to Matthew, 11, who was diagnosedwith type 1 diabetes at age 5. Crystal explains what it was like tolearn that her young son has the chronic illness, how it has affectedher family and what Matthew endures to manage his blood sugarlevels every day.

Kellie Rodriguez, M.S.N., C.D.E., C.P.T., director of patient education atthe DRI's Kosow Diabetes Treatment Center, describes how it truly isa "balancing act" for patients to keep blood sugar levels withinthe normal range since so many things affect it, like food, exerciseand mood, among others.

In the second segment, “Closing in on a Cure for Diabetes,” DRIFoundation President and CEO Robert A. Pearlman speaks about the

organization's singular focus on curing those now living with diabetesby restoring their ability to naturally produce their own insulin tocontrol their blood sugar levels. As a testament to the significantprogress that has been made toward this goal, viewers hear directlyfrom guest Cyndi Smart, who became insulin independent for almostsix years after receiving an islet cell transplant at the DRI. While islettransplantation is still in an experimental phase, it has shown proofof concept that insulin independence can be achieved and workcontinues at the DRI to build upon this substantial progress.

The promising results achieved thus far with patients like Cyndi anddozens of others who participated in the clinical trials give millionsliving with diabetes and their families a reason to believe that a curefor diabetes is within reach.

The Balancing Act is America's only one-hour morning show that'sabout women, for women, and trusted by women. Celebrating lifeand all there is to accomplish, The Balancing Act inspires and empowerswith entertaining and educational shows – which help place womenin the best position to achieve success in every area of their lives.

Also during Diabetes Awareness Month, Lifetime viewers will be ableto watch a series of helpful tips about the disease from DRI experts.Be sure to tune in to Lifetime during November!

DIABETES RESEARCH INSTITUTE

FEATURED ON LIFETIME TV'STHE BALANCING ACT

IRA ROLLOVER GIFT EXTENDED THROUGH 2011

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There are so many different ways to contributeto the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.Below is a short list of easy ways to give, andwe have additional ideas posted on our website.Go to: DiabetesResearch.org/WaystoGive

Donate Items to Cure Thrift Shop

For the unique finds and amazing bargains, thebuzz in NYC is all about Cure Thrift Shop, whichbenefits the Diabetes Research Institute. Butthe reason behind it…is you! Founder ElizabethWolff, who has type 1 diabetes, attributes muchof the boutique’s success to the quality of themerchandise donations she receives – from collectibles and antiques to high-end contem-porary furniture and exclusive brand nameclothing, shoes and accessories. So, if thoseJimmy Choos are “so last season” or it’s time toremodel the penthouse again, please considercalling Liz to help you cleanse. It’s good for yoursoul…and the DRI! Visit CureThriftShop.com formore information and to shop online, or call(212) 505-7467.

In Honor and Memory During the Holidays

Around the holidays, we think even more aboutfriends and family members who have passedaway. And most of us have a loved one with diabetes who is hoping for a cure every day.What could be a more meaningful gift thanone made to the DRI in honor or in memory ofthose special people? The DRI Foundationmakes it simple to do. Just call 800-321-3437 orvisit DiabetesResearch.org/tribute. You can alsochoose to send a holiday e-card.

‘Tis the Season for Giving and Shopping

Whether you’re planning to purchase a shiny,new car for Christmas or looking for eight perfect presents for Hanukkah, keep these twohelpful websites at the top of your list:Cars4Charities.org and GiveBackAmerica.com.The former will help make room in your drive-way by towing away the old clunker for free (inmost states) and donating 65 percent of thesale price to the DRIF. Cars, trucks, SUVs andboats are accepted. The latter offers a lengthylist of online retailers like Amazon and Best Buyand will contribute a percentage of sales to ourcure-focused mission. Just search by name:Diabetes Research Institute.

Remember when admitting you likesomeone involved passing notes inclass? Thankfully, on Facebook it’s a loteasier to show your appreciation for the Diabetes Research Institute! A simple click on theLike button at Facebook.com/DiabetesResearch.org will do.

Once you have given the Diabetes Research Institute page a Like, you can connect withother Facebook users who are as passionate about helping the DRI find a cure as you are.Regardless of whether you’ve dealt with diabetes your whole life or you’re a parent of anewly diagnosed child, you can silently listen to discussions occurring on our wall or makeyour opinions known with comments.

As someone who Likes the DRI page, you will be privy to a new research update each week,which we post on the wall every Thursday. You will also be kept in the loop about events occurring around the globe and fundraising projects that you can get involved in.

Thousands of supporters have already visited our official page at Facebook.com/DiabetesResearch.org and clicked the Like button at the top of it. It’s that easy! (And there’sno risk of being caught by the teacher.) See you there!

“HI, DO YOU LIKE ME?CHECK YES OR NO.”

Bloomingdale's 59th Street will celebrate its newly-renovated Fine Jewelry departmentat the flagship location at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan on December 7.Ten percent of sales from Fine Jewelry on that evening, as well as all day December 8,will benefit the Diabetes Research Institute.

In addition, Bloomingdale’s is collaborating with nine respected jewelry designers, eachof whom will create a “One of a Kind” piece that will go on sale soon after the relaunch.The proceeds from these truly unique designs will benefit both the Diabetes ResearchInstitute and the Hall Family Center for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at theKravis Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Designers include Buccellati,Charriol, Frederique Constant, John Hardy, Judith Ripka, Lagos, Marco Bicego, Nancy B. and Roberto Coin.

FINE JEWELERS ON THEBALCONY AT 59TH & LEX

LET ME COUNT THE WAYS TO GIVE

Sponsored by the Building and Construction Trades Depart-ment (BCTD) of the AFL-CIO, Project Type Zero is dedicatedto helping the DRI move closer to a cure. The brothers andsisters of the BCTD, led by President Mark H. Ayers and Secretary/Treasurer Sean McGarvey, have been tirelesslyfundraising for the DRI for a quarter of a century. The majority of the tens of thousands of dollars they donate an-nually come through two major campaigns: Dollars Against Diabetes and Labor of Love.

The Dollars Against Diabetes initiative, better known asDAD’s Day, began on Father’s Day weekend of 1986, whenstreet corner collections were held by unions across thecountry. The appropriately titled project has since spreadthroughout the country into 70 separate events that occurthroughout the year. But the purpose has remained thesame – to raise Dollars Against Diabetes.

Each year one union hall receives the Top Fundraiser trophy.Raising $54,900, Washington D.C., Building Trades and theiraffiliate councils won the honor for 2010. In 2011 DC BuildingTrades held a Golf Outing on June 10 at Twin Shield GolfCourse in Dunkirk, MD. There Executive Secretary/TreasurerVance Ayres accepted the trophy on behalf of his counciland his fellow affiliate event chairmen, Steve Harty of Ironworkers (IW) Local 5, and Chuck Graham of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local26. The IW Local 5 organized a Poker Run on June 19 in UpperMarlboro, MD, and the IBEW Local 26 held a golf outing onJune 6 at Andrews Air Force Base. The tournament filled all

three golf courses and was followed by a reception at Mar-tins Crosswinds where Senator Ben Cardin spoke about theimportance of putting labor men and women back to work.

Also on June 19 across the country in South Bend, IN, the2011 St. Joseph Valley BCTC held its 11th annual Poker Run forDAD’s Day. Riders made five stops along their journey to pickpoker cards in hopes of a winning hand. According to JayMummey, event chairman, the fun-filled day raised morethan $11,000.

Celebrating DAD’s Day on October 8 all the way out west inHuntington Beach, CA, was the Ironworkers Local 433. Theirannual golf tournament was hosted by Cathy Mitchell, California’s 29th Secretary of State.

It is projects like these held throughout the year by the four million members of the BCTD that render hope for a diabetes-free tomorrow, which is the vision of Project TypeZero. The DRI is proud to share the goal of so many fellowhardworking Americans. Special thanks are extended toAlyson Mizke for directing this tremendous fundraising initiative.

Learn more at DiabetesResearch.org/ProjectTypeZero.

ANY DAY CAN BE DAD’S DAY

1. Ironworkers Local 5 members and support-ers wait for event Chair Steve “Snoopy” Harty(top right) to send them off to their first stopof the Poker Run., 2. Senator Benjamin Cardinof Maryland spoke at the dinner followingthe annual DAD’s Day golf outing organizedby the International Brotherhood of Electri-cal Workers Local 26. He is pictured withButch Ramos.

PROJECT TYPE ZERO PROVES

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Reminiscent of a glamorous South Beach hotspot,the DRI’s 13th Annual Crystal Ball, held at the GardenCity Hotel on April 30, delivered much more thananother alluring affair. More than 400 guests thatincluded Long Island’s most prominent businessleaders and supporters helped raise $700,000.

At the black-tie affair, Honoree Charles F. Murphy,senior vice president and general manager ofTurner Construction Company, was recognized forhis support of diabetes research and outstandingwork in the community. The 2011 Gillin Family Humanitarian Award was bestowed upon shoemaven and Great Neck boutique owner StevenDann for his service in support of diabetes researchand his close friends, DRIF board members AddyFritzhand and Miriam Shiff. The other VIPs for theevening were Bill and Joan Fishlinger who werehonored as the first recipients of the Crystal BallDistinguished Service Award, created to recognizeand thank individuals who have been active supporters of the DRI and the annual event. Serving as Crystal Ball co-chairs were Charles Rizzoand Bruce Waller.

“Simply put, it was an evening to remember. Fromthe elegant and very moving remarks from each ofthose being honored to the room décor, food andof course the generosity displayed by all attendees,this was truly a home run of an event,” said AllanL. Pashcow, chairman of the DRI Foundation’s LongIsland regional board. “It was also wonderful tohear of the advancements being made at the DRIfrom Dr. Mitra Zehtab who, through her report

from the frontline of research, provided hope thata cure is near.”

The audience was brought to complete silencewhen honored guest and DRIF's National BoardTreasurer Bill Fishlinger spoke of his family’s long-time involvement with the DRI and the needto continue to support its work to get to the finishline of a cure. “I am asking for your support not asa businessman or a colleague, but as a friend andfather…a father of a child with type 1 diabetes.” The audience responded enthusiastically to Bill'sheartfelt plea with record-breaking donations insupport of the Fund-A-Grant Program.

The Crystal Ball continued its long heritage of beinga standout event, with a glitzy décor featuring allthings cool and chic. The ballroom was replete withpalm leaves, glimmering blue hues and tropicaltouches. You could feel that South Beach heat inthe room! All of the decorations and styling wasproduced and donated by floral and event designerextraordinaire Adrian at Metro Floral of Great Neck.Sponsors for the event included Platinum SponsorsTurner Construction Company and Bruce andRoberta Waller and The Rowland and Sylvia Schae-fer Family Foundation; Gold Sponsors Anne andJohn Doscas, A-Val Architectural Metal III, LLC, Combined Resources Interiors, Inc., Lowy & Donnath, Inc., Rooms To Go Children’s Fund, TheDonaldson Organization and Unity Electric Co., Inc.,and WRM America among others.

EVENTSSportsmen for Charity

The ninth annual Sportsmen for Charity sporting clay event took place on April 15 atPawling Mountain Club in Pawling, NY. Bordered by the Appalachian Trail National Park,this club has the ideal woodland setting for a day of marksmanship and a good cause.Approximately 70 participants helped raised $20,000 for the DRI. Pictured is CharlesGuigno (back center), event chairman, with his family: (l-r) Kristin Ferrigno, Ilene Guigno,Joseph Ferrigno, Debbie Sinodinos, Donna Farrigno and Michael Sinodinos.

LONG ISLAND CRYSTAL BALL GOES SOUTH BEACH CHIC

1. (l-r) Honoree Charles Murphy, Gala Co-chairs and DRIF LI Regional Board mem-bers Charles Rizzo and Bruce Waller, plusDRIF LI Regional Board member Douglas R.Donaldson, 2. (l-r) Gillin Family Humani-tarian Award Recipient Steven Dann withSue and Arthur Gillin, 3. DistinguishedService Award Recipients Bill and JoanFishlinger with their children, Ali andMatthew Fishlinger.

Kids Party for a Cure (FL)

EVENTS

Approximately 600 people enjoyed Miami’s third Kids Party for a Cure on May 1. Upon enteringUM’s BankUnited Center, they embarked upon a cross-country Road Trip featuring food, funand entertainment from destinations across the United States. It was a family affair formany, including the eight Dade and Broward County moms who served as chairpersons forthe event: Meredith Buchwald, Therese Gibb, Amy Greenwald, Jill Hirsch, Dorothy Isriel,Alyson Katz, Nikki Simkins and Jenn Tacher. As is becoming a trend for this party, childrenserved as sponsors alongside families and businesses, resulting in a collective community effort and proceeds totaling $130,000. Pictured are (l-r) Jonny, Scott, Amy and Lexi Greenwald,representing The Greenwald Group/Townhomes of Oak Lane, top sponsor.

Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Brenda Novak has held an online auction fordiabetes research for seven consecutive years in honor of her son, Thad, who was diagnosed with type 1 at age 5 (pictured). Always held throughout the month of May at BrendaNovak.com, the auction was as big as ever, attracting thousands of bidders and raising$300,500 for the DRI. Brenda’s fundraising efforts multiplied this year with an event in Rocklin,CA, called The Perfect Brunch, as well as the sales of an exclusive designer silk scarf. She attributesher fundraising success to heartfelt passion and dedication, as well as the support of hundreds of generous donors and supporters, including several friends in the literary world.

Shell Key West Fishing Tournament

Benefiting the DRI for the fifth year, the Shell Key West Fishing Challenge was heldApril 28 through May 1 on the beautiful waters surrounding Key West, FL. As always, it was led by Hayden Blaylock (seated), founder of Blaylock Oil Company,and his daughter, Crystal Blaylock Sanchez, whose son, Matthew Sanchez, hastype 1 diabetes. Pictured (l-r): DRI’s Luca Inverardi, M.D., accepted a check fromDave Preston, Jim Deakin, David Bunch, Paul Stanifer, and Bob Pease, executivesfrom Shell Oil Company and Motiva Enterprises, tournament sponsors. The$25,000 check represents just a portion of the proceeds, which to date have surpassed $350,000.

Vince Wilfork’s Draft Day Fundraiser

In light of the NFL lockout that was in effect, Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork (l) and his wife,Bianca, were pleased if not amazed by the great turnout of their eighth annual Draft Day Fundraiser,held on April 28. Even Senator Scott Brown (r) showed up at Pinz Entertainment in Milford, MA, tosupport Wilfork and the cause he is so passionate about. Approximately $150,000, more than everbefore, was raised to help cure diabetes. Other Patriots players in attendance included: Kevin Faulk,Jerod Mayo, Matt Light, Sebastian Vollmer, Dan Koppen and Sammy Morris.

D.R.E.a.M.S. in the city

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To kick off the summer, young professionals in Washington, D.C. organized a happy hour gatheringat The Front Page Restaurant & Grille. They called it Drinks for Diabetes, and hundreds of peoplejoined in the event, making donations for sweepstakes prizes while enjoying a few happy hours together. Pictured raising funds and awareness for the DRI in our nation's capital are event Chairpersons (l-r) Carolyn Billetdeaux, Briana Pashcow, Ali Fishlinger and Meghan Tran.

Drinks for Diabetes

Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Don Strock (far right) led 150 golfers onto the courses at Miccosukee Golf and Country Club on May 11 for the 28th Annual Don Strock Diabetes Golf Classic, presented by Miami Seaquarium. After hitting the links, players enjoyed a cocktail reception and dinner program, during which Strock gave accolades to Tournament Chairman Bruce Fishbein (far left)and his hard-working committee, composed mainly of members of the produce industry. The groupthen heard from Benno Schmidt, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 22 years and is the special projects coordinator for Seminole Media Productions, as well as the host of dLife TV. Proceeds of theevent totaled more than $142,000 for the DRI. Also pictured are Terry Willie of Miccosukee Golf & Country Club and Flipper the Dolphin of Miami Seaquarium, representing the top two sponsors (not pictured, Arthur Hertz of the Miami Seaquarium).

On Thursday, May 5, the Sixth Annual D.R.E.a.M.S. in the city paid homage to honorees Marc D. Taub (far right), president and CEO of Palm Bay International, andBob Harper (4th from right), fitness expert on NBC’s renowned The Biggest Loser, atNew York City’s stunning Lower East Side locale, Capitale. According to Co-chairsBonnie Inserra (far left), Samantha Shanken Baker (4th from left) and Risa Pulver(3rd from right), the event raised more than $600,000. Nearly 500 supporters enjoyed a delicious dinner, plus live and silent auctions, while Miami’s DJ Irie spunpopular music and Alan Kalter (3rd from left), the voice of Late Show with David Let-terman, served as Master of Ceremonies. Also pictured are: Thomas D. Stern (2ndfrom left), immediate past chairman of the DRIF, and DRI Scientific Director CamilloRicordi, M.D., who addressed the crowd about the latest advances in the lab.

Don Strock Diabetes Classic

Wedding Veil Walk for a Cure

The sight of more than 100 “brides and grooms” strolling through Old Westbury Gardens created astir in Old Brookville, NY, at the Wedding Veil Walk for a Cure on May 22. The unique fundraiser wassponsored by Iman Bridal Couture, owned by Iman Baccash (c), and co-chaired by Wendy Waller (l)and Iris Feldman (r), who also serves on the DRI Foundation’s Long Island regional board of directors.While women wore tulle wedding veils, the men donned bowties, and after the Walk, family entertainment ensued.

Ron Darling’s 3rd Annual Golf Classic took place in East Norwich, NY, at Pine Hollow Country Club onJuly 18. As a father of a child with diabetes, Ron extended his heartfelt appreciation to the various fellow former pro-athletes who joined him on the course, as well as the many generous attendees andhard working committee members who made the fundraiser possible. After a day hitting the links,guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner and a performance by the hilarious Stewie Stone. Pictured with Darling (c), who serves on the DRIF’s National Board of Directors, are (l-r): Mike Montagnino, VincentAdamando, Larry Zachario and Allan L. Pashcow, DRIF Long Island Regional Board chairman.

Ron Darling Golf Classic

Young Professionals Beer and Sausage Tasting

Fall Into Fashion Kick-Off

Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run

Led by Co-chairs Fran Helfant, Korey Liebman and Roberta Waller, the Fall Into Fashion committee andsupporters kicked off their fundraising season with a cocktail party on September 13. Steven Danngenerously offered to host the festivity at his boutique and donate a percentage of the evening’s proceeds to the DRI. Surrounded by style and haute couture fashions, guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvresand cocktails while shopping and chatting excitedly about the Fall into Fashion luncheon, to be heldon Thursday, November 3, 2011 at the Fresh Meadow Country Club in Great Neck, NY. Pictured (l-r) areFall Into Fashion Honoree Frances B. Reid, Fall into Fashion Humanitarian Wendy Waller and DRI Foundation Long Island regional board member Miriam Shiff. Serving as Honorary Chairperson for Fallinto Fashion is Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen M. Rice.

Phil Peterson’s 39th Annual Key West Poker Run attracted approximately 10,000 bikers to the Keys onceagain the weekend of September 16-18. Though the ride is half the fun, more than 3,000 participants viedfor the winning poker hand, and Joy Rohrer from Myakka City, FL, emerged the ecstatic winner of a new883 Sportster Iron. Pictured are Drew Peterson (r), Phil’s son who has been instrumental in the organizationof this event year after year, and Brian Huether (l) of the DRIF.

EVENTS

The DRI Foundation’s NYC Young Professionals held their first ever Beer and Sausage Tastingevent on Saturday, August 20 at the friendly midtown trattoria, Biricchino. Executive Chef PaulValetutti created a delicious five-course meal, which featured a number of handmade curedmeats and fresh sausages from Salumeria Biellese. Each course was paired with one of Brew Circus’s unique beer offerings. Attendees met other young professionals who shared not only alove of good food, but also the desire to support the cure-focused work of the DRI. According tolead organizers Lindsey Inserra, John Hughes, Paul Valetutti and Melissa Hyland, the event isjust the start of great things to come for this dedicated group. Lindsey, who has type 1 diabetes,is pictured (2nd from right) with friends.

Cure Thrift Shop Birthday Party

Nearly 300 New Yorkers attended Cure Thrift Shop’s 3rd Birthday Thrift Spectacular on August 11 atthe popular lower Manhattan boutique. Guests shopped from thousands of pieces of vintage anddesigner clothing and fabulous furniture, art, and collectibles, which were donated by generousfriends of the DRI Foundation and East Village neighbors. A big top finished off a festive vintage circus theme, and party goers dances to the live music of Roosevelt Dime. Drinks were sponsored byVoli Vodka. Pictured is owner Elizabeth Wolff (2nd from left) with her family (l-r) Dr. Martin Wolff,Sarah Schlesinger, Becky Schlesinger, Eileen Schlesinger, and Libby Schlesinger. Now even if you’renot in NYC, you can purchase treasures from Cure Thrift Shop. Visit CureThriftShop.com!

Rod Gilbert DRI Golf Classic

Also taking place at the beautiful Pine Hollow Country Club was the Rod Gilbert DRI Golf Classic. It was heldon August 8 in memory of Anthony John Vitale and Helaine Shari White. Led by Tournament Directors EricReeps (r) and Bob Zuckerman (l), the committee also honored Aimee Skier, vice president of AMSkier Insur-ance, and Wayne A. Lang, director of property management of Stawski Partners. According to Honorary Chair-man Rod Gilbert, the event raised $180,000.

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Each year, Gigi (r) and Michael Otten (2nd from left) of East Islip, NY, host a backyard barbeque in support of the cure-focused work underway at the DRI. Approximately 200 supporters attended on September 24, enjoying succulent roasted pork and the rest of thefood on hand under a tent. This year Bob Pearlman, DRI Foundation president and CEO, washappy to join the fun. He is pictured (l) with the host couple and their son, Nicholas Otten.

Pig Roast for a Cure

Long Island’s third annual Gold Coast Concours/Bimmerstock event, presented byMartino Auto Concepts/MAC Auto Couture, benefited the DRI on Sunday, September25. Thousands of spectators lined the blocked off streets of the City of Glen Cove’sdowntown business district, where more than 600 exotic, fine European and custom vehicles were on display.  Dara Kriss-Melnick spoke about her battle withtype 1 diabetes and introduced Bob Pearlman, who gave special thanks to Joe LaPadula (4th from right) and Derek Pasch (far left) of MAC, the creators and primary organizers of the event since its inception.  He also recognized DRIF board

members Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (3rd from right) and Bruce Waller for their help organizing the event.  And Anthony E. Childs, DRIF LI regionaldirector (center left), presented a certificate of appreciation to Mayor Ralph Suozzi (center right). The event raised a record $57,000. Also pictured (l-r) are: Glen Cove City Councilmen Sean Dwyer, Tony Jiminez, and Tim Tenke, plus DJ Joe Manifrerdie and Glen Cove Deputy MayorMaureen Basdavanos.

Gold Coast Concours/Bimmerstock

The Donaldson Organization Golf Outing

Fashion, beauty (and science!) collided on the runway October 3 and 4 at Pleasantdale Chateau in WestOrange, NJ, during Fashion & Beauty Week. The ultra-hip international affair attracted top designers,celebrities and more. Yet amidst the beautiful models, it was the DRI that took center stage as beneficiary,thanks to a mother-daughter duo, longtime supporters Bonnie and Lindsey Inserra. Pictured with Bonnieis Jack Panico, event founder. Special thanks are extended to the Inserra Family and Inserra Supermarketsfor generously leading this event as Diamond Sponsors.

Fashion & Beauty Week

Ranked one of the top courses in the U.S. and the world by Golf Magazine, Winged Foot Golf Clubplayed host to The Donaldson Organization Golf Outing on October 3 in Mamaroneck, NY. Benefitingthe DRI this year, the annual event honored Eli Zamek (2nd from left) of Vornado Development andStuart Koshner (center) of RC Dolner, LLC. It was chaired by D. Robert (Bob) Donaldson (left), whoseson, Douglas R. Donaldson (right), serves on DRIF’s Long Island regional board, and whose grandson,Matthew (far right), was diagnosed a few years ago with type 1 diabetes. A lively auction kicked offthe evening’s dinner program, which was highlighted by the heartfelt words of the Donaldson family, as well as Meredith and Scott Buchwald, whose daughter, Lauren, also has type 1 diabetes. 

The Molly and Lindsey Invitational took place at White Beeches Golf and Country Clubin Haworth, NJ, on September 26. Honorees Molly Minicucci Phillips and Lindsey Inserra(far left and right) were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 9 and 11 respectively. Ini-tiated by their parents, Nicholas and Susan Minicucci and Larry Inserra, Jr., and BonnieInserra (center), the two young women’s families have shared friendship and supportfor more than a decade now. The fortitude of their bond was evident throughout theevent. Their alliance, The Molly and Lindsey Foundation for Diabetes Research, benefits a col-

laboration between the DRI and Hackensack University Medical Center. The pleasant day on the course was followed by an Italian dinner. Alsopictured are Robert C. Garrett, HUMC president & CEO (2nd from left), Lawrence Inserra (back), and DRI's Gary Kleiman (2nd from right).

Molly and Lindsey Invitational

CALENDARLove and Hope Preview Party November 17, 2011 / FLORIDAAlways referred to as the “heart” of Love and Hope, this elegant fetewill feature live music, dancing, finedining and more at the DiplomatCountry Club.

Texas Hold'em Tournament December 1, 2011 / LONG ISLANDThe Ron Darling Foundation will hostthe second annual Casino Night atLeonards of Great Neck to benefitthe DRI.

Champions for CharityDecember 1-4, 2011 / LONG ISLANDAmericana Manhasset holds its an-nual holiday shopping benefit whereover 10 stores donate 25 percent ofpre-tax purchases to the DRI Founda-tion and other not-for-profit organi-zations.

"Fine Jewelers" Re-launch December 7, 2011 / NEW YORKBloomingdale’s flagship store in NYC

will be re-launching its fine jewelrydepartment after a major renovation.

Empire Ball December 14, 2011 / NEW YORKThis annual black-tie event at theGrand Hyatt Hotel is the social eventof the season for New York City’s realestate industry.

Love and Hope Ball February 18, 2012 / FLORIDASouth Florida’s signature event willonce again thrill its guests with afabulous black-tie affair and a performance by Barry Gibb at theWestin Diplomat Resort and Spa.

A Gift of Love…A Gift of HopeFebruary 27, 2012 / FLORIDATo be held at The Polo Club in BocaRaton, the 13th annual event, organizedby the Palm Beach Auxiliary, will feature a delightful lunch, a uniqueboutique filled with fashionableitems, a raffle and an afternoon ofcard-playing.

Carnival for a Cure March 11, 2012 / NEW YORKThe seventh annual event will beheld at the Metropolitan Pavilion inManhattan and feature live enter-tainment, delicious food, games fortots and teens, super prizes and afabulous silent auction.

Kids Party for a CureMarch 18, 2012 / LONG ISLANDThis afternoon of fun for the entirefamily at Dave and Buster’s will feature video games, inflatables, face painting and more, plus a buffet dinner for the whole family and asilent auction.

Walk with Walgreens Family Fun Day & Health Fair March 24, 2012 / FLORIDAWalkathons will be held simultane-ously at four South Florida locationsand feature fun family activities,health booths and more.

Cooking for a Cure April 2012 / LONG ISLANDTo be held at Page One Restaurant,Glen Cove, this tasteful event is pro-vided by the restaurant’s celebratedchef. The evening includes a Chineseauction, sweepstakes drawing andlive entertainment.

American Fine Wine Competition GalaApril 19, 2012 / FLORIDAThis fifth annual affair will be held atthe Boca Raton Resort & Club. Guestswill taste more than 600 of thefinest wines made in the U.S. whileenjoying world class food, entertain-ment, auctions and ambience.

The Crystal BallApril 28, 2012 / LONG ISLANDThis black tie event will be held atthe beautiful Garden City Hotel andfeature fabulous food, entertainmentand live and silent auctions.

For information on the events or to make reservations, visitDiabetesResearch.org or call one of the DRI Foundation officeslisted below.

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation National Office200 South Park RoadSuite 100Hollywood, FL 33021

address service requested

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDDiabetes ResearchInstitute Foundation

DRIfocus

DRIfocus

The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation supports the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Leonard M. MillerSchool of Medicine, whose mission is to develop and rapidly apply the most promising research to treat and cure those now livingwith diabetes. To obtain additional information or request copies of DRIfocus, please call (800) 321-3437 or e-mail lweintraub@drif.org, or visit DiabetesResearch.org.

Marketing & Communications Dept.Lori Weintraub, APRLauren SchreierNatasha NorrisLaurie Cummings

ContributorsGary KleimanJill SalterAimee Siegel-HarrisMitra Zehtab, M.D.Stacy Zolotin

is a publication of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.Fall 2011 / Volume 39 / Issue 1

National Office200 South Park Road, Suite 100 Hollywood, FL 33021 Phone: (954) 964-4040 Fax: (954) 964-7036 info@drif.org

Northeast Regional Office381 Park Avenue South, Suite 1118New York, NY 10016 Phone: (212) 888-2217 Fax: (212) 888-2219neregion@drif.org

Long Island Regional Office410 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 201Jericho, NY 11753Phone: (516) 822-1700 Fax: (516) 822-3570 liregion@drif.org

DIABETES RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOUNDATION

PhotographyDRI / DRIF staff and volunteersMTC Photography-Manny CarabelMarc Levine PhotographySarah Merians Photography &Video Co.Point & Shoot PhotographyMitch Schlimer PhotosClaude Zick

DesignFranz Franc Design Group Inc.