Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Spring 2012 / Volume 39 / Issue 2 Miami / New York / Long Island / California / Washington, D.C. DRIfocus Join us on social media! DRI AND PARTNERS EXPLORE NEW INITIATIVES, AIM TO FAST-TRACK FINDINGS Scientific collaboration has always been a hallmark of the Diabetes Research Institute, where an open-door philosophy and willingness to share new findings has changed the international research paradigm. Today, these strategic alliances are playing an increasingly critical role in the effort to cure diabetes by opening up new doors of discovery and aggregating expertise in key research areas. “We actively seek partners who bring unique talents to the table, regardless of where their base institutions may reside, with each contributing simultaneously to answer a critical question that is perhaps unanswerable unless we all work together,” says DRI Scientific Director Camillo Ricordi, M.D. Accordingly, the DRI hosted several leading scientists over the last few months who came to Miami to present their latest findings and join together on novel research initiatives In Memory of Robin Gibb aimed at re-educating the immune system and restoring tolerance, and increasing cell supply. Below is a summary of the projects that were shared during their visit: The Diabetes Research Institute and Reactivating Insulin-Producing Cells Foundation mourns the loss of one of our family members, Robin Gibb. A Bart Roep, M.D., Ph.D., of Leiden University Medical Centre in Leiden, Netherlands, has recently longtime supporter and member of our demonstrated that islet cells may be reactivated, even years after the initial diabetes diagnosis. Honorary Board of Directors, Robin His recent study refutes the long-standing belief that those with type 1 have no insulin-producing reunited on stage with older brother cells left at all. It seems that many people do have the cells, although the cells are not active. and Bee Gees bandmate Barry Gibb for Dr. Roep, whose research focuses on developing immunological intervention strategies in type a spectacular concert at the 2006 Love 1 diabetes, has developed methods to identify and study white blood cells that are involved and Hope Ball (pictured). Our hearts go in the destruction of the islets. Further studies will focus on developing a vaccine that out to the Gibb family and to everyone who loved Robin. Continued on Page 11 Cover Dad A Magical Afternoon Idol Action A Family Affair Emeril Dishes DRI Foundation VP Tom Actor Jake T. Austin, best American Idol season nine Music legend Barry Gibb Chef Emeril Lagasse Karlya, a.k.a. Diabetes known for his role in the runner-up Crystal Bowersox once again entertained added his essence at Dad, made the cover Disney Channel’s Wizards performed at the Walk the DRI family at the the American Fine Wine of Diabetes Health of Waverly Place, attended with Walgreens Family 38th Annual Love and Competition Gala. magazine. Long Island's Kids Party Fun Day & Health Fair. Hope Ball. for a Cure. > Article on page 2 > Article on page 14 > Article on page 15 > Article on page 17 > Article on page 18 A Message from the Chairman IN MEMORY OF MARK H. AYERS Dear Friends, With great sadness, the Diabetes Research commitment to bettering the lives of working Institute and Foundation mourns the loss of a families that he was able to offer so much to his In this issue of DRIFocus, we pay tribute to many remarkable individuals, Another father taking action for his son is Kevin McGurgan, one our dear friend and National Board member, Mark H. country, his family, and to the labor movement. including two men whose lives were taken far too prematurely. Diabetes Diplomats who is a genuine diplomat. Kevin, who serves as Ayers. He was the president of the Building and British Consul-General in Miami, was inspired by the Summer Mark’s dedication to the Diabetes Research As you read on the cover, the DRI and Foundation, as well as the Contruction Trades Department (BCTD), which Olympics taking place in his homeland and is running 12 races in 2012 Institute was also strong-felt and unwavering. world, lost a treasured legend when Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees is the largest contributor to our organization. to benefit the DRI. You can read about his story and those of our He subscribed to a belief that “tough times succumbed to a challenging illness. Our thoughts and prayers are other Diabetes Diplomats on page 5. Mark was a labor leader of vision, innovation, never last, but tough people do,” and when the with his brother, Barry, who, together with his wife, Linda, serve as passion and integrity, and it was through his economy took a downturn, Mark announced that International Chairmen of our Love and Hope committee, and his entire And, there is the DRIF’s own Diabetes Dad, Tom Karlya, who is featured leadership that North America's Building the BCTD would reconfirm their support with family at this sad time. Many of you have been fortunate to attend on the cover of the April/May issue of Diabetes Health magazine. Trades Unions are on the path to success a gift of $5 million in 2010. He was resolute their private performances at our Love and Hope galas and those Tom, who has two children with type 1, urges parents to reach out to and increased market share for the union when he said of their tireless support, “We’ve memories will live on in our hearts. others, help their kids succeed and support the DRI. construction industry. come too far to turn back now.” Our DRI family also mourns the passing of National Board Member Many families are finding support through our PEP Squad (Parents Although our hearts are heavy, our spirits are “Mark was a good friend and a great leader,” Mark H. Ayers, who served as president of the AFL-CIO Building and Empowering Parents). Whether attending our mini-conferences or lifted by virtue of the unsullied legacy of a said Robert A. Pearlman, president and CEO of Construction Trades Department, our most significant contributor. reaching out to others on our PEP Squad Facebook group, parents like Jen working man who was grounded and guided the DRI Foundation . “He led with vision and Mark was a man of high integrity and uncompromising principles, Yedo (page 12) are finding hope, inspiration and a dose of good ideas. to his core through the values that were honesty, and he will remain in our hearts for who championed the DRI’s efforts to find a cure. He recognized how instilled in him during his upbringing in Peoria, a long time to come. Our thoughts are with Patients and parents alike are getting involved throughout our regions deeply diabetes affects patients and their families, including countless IL. Mark was a true trade unionist in every his family and so many others who loved and and around the country through our many events, as leaders and par- union members, and he was passionately committed to ending their sense of the word, and it was through that respected him.” ticipants. We thank each and every one of you for your tireless efforts. suffering. He was a dear friend and will be truly missed by all of us. Everyone involved with this organization is providing the vital funding In the wake of our sadness, we cannot dim the brightness of the future 1 2 needed to further our research toward a cure, like the work of Dr. and those who are shining examples of unrelenting dedication. Chris Fraker (page 9). Dr. Fraker, who has type 1 diabetes himself, has Throughout these pages, you’ll read about our supporters who are conducted ground-breaking studies on the critical need for oxygen doing great things to bring us closer to cure for diabetes. by insulin-producing cells and is working together with our other Among them is Isabel May (page 8), who recently celebrated her 100th scientists to build on these promising findings. birthday and still remains an active supporter of the DRI Foundation, From our board members and countless loyal supporters to our DRI among other organizations. Isabel’s continuing generosity, along with scientists and Foundation staff, we are all accomplishing great things NEW DIRECTORS our other major donors, provides a critical base of support for the DRI. 1. Sabrina Ferris, for those living with diabetes. Thank you again for all that you do to JOIN REGIONAL BOARDS 2. Bonnie Inserra. Ron Darling, one of our National Board members whose name may support our cure-focused mission. be familiar as a NY Mets superstar, is “obsessed” with ensuring that Sincerely, our DRI scientists have the resources they need to find a cure for his The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is pleased to announce and was listed as one of “40 Under 40” in the South Florida Business son and millions of others with diabetes. Through his foundation, the appointment of two new members to its regional boards in Journal in 2011 and as a “Rising Star” in Super Lawyers in 2009. Florida and the Northeast. Ron has helped to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the DRI, while Bonnie Inserra of Mahwah, NJ, recently joined the Northeast Regional cementing a wonderful fundraising partnership with McFadden’s Harold Doran Sabrina Ferris of Miami, FL, joined the Florida Regional Board recently Board and has been a National Board member since 2009. She is the Restaurant and Saloon at Citi Field (page 8). Chairman of the Board and kicked-off her service by becoming one of the top two fundraisers at executive director and a benefactor of the Inserra Family Foundation.