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Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Summer 2008 / Volume 36 / Issue 1 Miami / New York / Long Island / California / Washington, D.C. DRIfocus DRI DISCOVERS IMPORTANT REGULATOR OF BLOOD SUGAR Researchers from the Diabetes Research Institute’s Islet Physiology Laboratory and the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, have identified an important mechanism that helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels. The novel study was important enough to be featured on the cover of the June 2008 issue of the prestigious journal Cell Metabolism . The regulation of normal blood glucose levels relies primarily on the function of two types of cells that are found inside the islets in the pancreas – beta cells which produce insulin, and alpha cells which produce glucagon. These cells work together to maintain a delicate balance for normal blood sugar levels and prevent both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Alpha cells release glucagon when there is an increase in insulin production and/or a drop in blood sugar levels. In individuals with type 1 diabetes, this mechanism is impaired or lost altogether. The research team, led by Drs. Per-Olof Berggren , Alejandro Caicedo and Over Cabrera , found that, in addition to glucagon, pancreatic alpha cells also release gluta mate, a > Continues on Page 6 Fluorescent markers identify specific cell types within the same islet. Image D combines the insulin, glucagon and glutamate-containing cells involved in the complex DRI FOUNDATION SURPASSES FIVE-YEAR regulation of normal blood sugar levels. GOAL TO RAISE $100 MILLION “…The DRI Foundation now ranks among the leading diabetes fundraising organizations in this country and internationally …yet we remain unique in the world of diabetes.” > See Chairman’s Message on Page 2 Dare to Dream A Silver Anniversary Armani Exchange Supermodel DRI Golf Classic in CA Tackling Diabetes Recently retired NY Giants Former Dolphins quarter - Supermodel Izabel Goulart Sports Journalist Roy New England Patriots defensive end Michael backs Don Strock and proved that“Giving Never Firestone and Baseball nose tackle Vince Wilfork Strahan included himself Dan Marino celebrated Goes Out of Style” through Great Don Baylor played hosted his fifth Draft Day in the golf foursome the 25th annual Don her support of the DRI at integral roles in the DRI fundraiser benefiting that he auctioned off at Strock Diabetes Classic. the Armani Exchange store Golf Classic in California. the DRI. D.R.E.a.M.S. in the City. in NYC's Soho. > Articles on Pages 16 > Article on Page 13 > Article on Page 12 > Article on Page 17 > Article on Page 13 A Message from the Chairman Dear Friends, The close of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation’s 2007/08 Clearly the work of the DRI and Foundation is attracting the attention fiscal year on June 30th marked the end of our five-year plan to raise of those who seek accountability, transparency and a focused mission $100 million for the Diabetes Research Institute. We are extremely when supporting a diabetes organization. For each of the past two pleased to announce that not only have we achieved our goal, but years, the DRI Foundation has earned a four-star rating, the highest have surpassed it by 25 percent, raising more than $125 million over possible, from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest independent the last five years! evaluator of charities. Only 15 percent of all charities evaluated have received back-to-back four-star ratings, indicating that “the Diabetes This is an extraordinary accomplishment and one that could not Research Institute Foundation outperforms most charities in America have been realized without the unwavering generosity of our donors. in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible.” The DRI Foundation now ranks among the leading diabetes fundraising organizations in this country and internationally. Yet with our singular Each and every donor can feel confident that their contributions focus on curing those living with this disease, we remain unique in were stewarded in the most responsible and efficient manner. Your the world of diabetes. critical support of the Foundation has enabled the DRI to pursue the newest directions in science, merging traditional research approaches What is perhaps most notable is that almost 40 percent of the funds with cutting-edge, emerging technologies. Armed with these powerful raised during this campaign, across all donation levels, came from tools, DRI scientists are re-engineering the path to a cure for those contributors who had never before given to our organization, including living with diabetes. many of you reading this issue of DRIfocus. We invite you to learn more about these promising research develop - The importance of planned gifts cannot be overstated as the DRIF ments, some of which are covered in this issue. As we embark on a was the beneficiary of a number of bequests throughout these past new year and a new plan, we will be sharing some exciting information few years. The legacy created by these generous individuals will help with you in the months to come. You have played an integral role in to transform the futures of those living with this disease. the DRI’s tremendous progress and we hope to count on your contin - The significant involvement of our lay leadership also contributed uing support. We are all working together for a common goal and immensely to the success of our campaign. Many new members each of you is needed now more than ever before. Thank you again have joined our National and Regional Boards of Directors, which for your generosity and commitment to this organization. are comprised of dedicated individuals from around the United Sincerely, States and as far away as Italy and England. Our leadership’s per - sonal connection to diabetes and passionate resolve to find a cure drives them to support the DRI and to engage others within their own communities who share our mission. Thomas D. Stern Chairman of the Board ANTHONY E. CHILDS SELECTED TO LEAD FOUNDATION’S LONG ISLAND OFFICE As the DRI continues its life-saving work toward a cure for diabetes, it is more critical than ever for the Foundation to raise the increased funds necessary to support its many cutting-edge initiatives. Efforts in Long Island have been key to the Foundation’s overall success. In order to fulfill its financial obligation to support the DRI, the Foundation must continue to grow and attract new donors. To help spearhead additional fund-raising opportunities, Anthony E. Childs has been appointed Long Island regional director. “I am excited to be involved with an organization that is so focused on finding a cure for diabetes,” said Tony. “On my visit to the Diabetes Research Institute, I was inspired by the drive and the commitment of the scientists working there. I have taken it on as a personal mission to ensure that these researchers have the funds they need to continue their important work.” Tony joins the organization after a long and established tenure in the nonprofit arena, where he held senior development and marketing positions with human services and healthcare organizations. He has worked closely with several boards of directors and various committees to achieve results at the American Cancer Society as director of major gifts, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown as vice president of development, and the Interfaith Nutrition Network as director of development. Tony holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management and is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Additionally, he has gained nearly a decade of experience in the insurance/financial services industry. “We have experienced overwhelming growth over the last several years, and it became necessary for the Foundation to add senior level leadership so that we can continue our momentum. Tony brings tremendous strength to this organization, and we are thrilled to have him join us,” said DRI Foundation President and CEO Robert A. Pearlman . Pictured left to right: Mark H. Ayers , William Fishlinger , Glenn Kleiman , Alan S. Kava , Steven NEW DIRECTORS JOIN NATIONAL, Silva and Bruce Waller. REGIONAL BOARDS The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the National Board and three new members to the regional boards. National Board member Mark H. Ayers of Baltimore, MD, is the His mother, Marge Kleiman Mintz , continues to serve on the Florida president of the Building and Construction Trades Department of Regional Board. His brother, Gary , and his daughter, Alison , 23, have the AFL-CIO. Prior to his unanimous election on September 6, 2007 type 1 diabetes. He and his wife, Gisela Terner , also have another as president of the BCTD, Mark was the director of the Construction daughter, Marley, 16. Maintenance Department of the International Brotherhood of Northeast Board member Alan S. Kava of New York City is the chief Electrical Workers (IBEW) and chair of the National Maintenance financial officer of the Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds, a division Agreements Policy Committee (NMAPC). He has held other positions of Goldman Sachs. He joined Goldman Sachs as a vice president in within the IBEW and attended the George Meany Institute for Labor 1997 and became a managing director in 2002. Prior to joining the Studies (now known as the National Labor College), the University of firm, he worked as an associate attorney in the Corporate and Real Wisconsin, the University of Illinois Institute of Labor and Industrial Estate Departments of Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett. Alan earned a Relations, and the International Foundation for Employee Benefits. BA in economics from the University of Virginia in 1987 and a JD He also served his country as an aviator in the United States Navy.