Many of our recent publications detail just what makes the Diabetes Research Institute so unique, highlighting the faces and stories of our scientists behind the microscopes and in the labs.
But our history is also tied to the faces of our donors and founding families. We want to share some of these faces with you from across the country, each with their own unique reasons why they support DRIF and our singular mission to cure and prevent diabetes. We’re excited to have you learn more about them below and encourage you to write to us sharing Why YOU Give to the Diabetes Institute Research Foundation.
WHY I GIVE
Photo caption: Sabrina Gallo, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig LLP and DRIF Regional Board Member
Your Connection to Type1:
My son, Colby, was diagnosed with Type1 when he was 4 years old. As a caretaker of a child with Type1, it was a scary diagnosis to navigate because there was so much unknown to us. But with education and a better understanding of Type1, he and I both learned how to effectively manage his Type1 diabetes, even through the more challenging teen years. He will be turning 20 this year and is thriving. However, we are both passionate about having a cure for diabetes in his lifetime and this is what led us to DRIF.
Why did you connect with DRIF?
Upon diagnosis, so many in our Miami community told me to reach out to the Diabetes Research Institute. The DRI was key in providing us the best doctors and diabetes education, while also giving us hope through their cure-focused diabetes research. I was impressed with the significant contributions the DRI has made, and continues to make, in the field of diabetes and I wanted to do all I can to further that mission.
What is your favorite part of the research?
The focus on a safe biological cure of Type1 by enhancing the body’s own immune system. The technology and medicines used to manage the disease have definitely improved the quality of life of those living with Type1. But we want more – and the DRI is making incredible progress that could allow the body to re-set its own immune system. This ability would also have significant positive impact for many other auto-immune diseases.
How do you support DRIF?
As a regional board member, I take pride in helping to fund this cure-based research through events and other fundraisers. My favorite event is Out of the Kitchen, which brings together members of this community equally passionate about the DRIF’s mission while enjoying a culinary feast prepared tableside by South Florida’s top chefs! It is also important to me that I pay it forward and help those newly diagnosed, and in particular mothers of children with Type1, to be someone they can lean on as they try to navigate the disease. Community support was crucial for Colby and me!
Photo caption: Gallagher family enjoys their visit to Dr. Alice Tomei’s lab at the DRI.
L to R: Dr. Alice Tomei, Kieran, Genevieve and Leif Gallagher
Your connection to Type 1:
My eldest son, Kieran was diagnosed with T1D in December 2020 prior to his 6th birthday. This was completely unexpected as there is no history of T1D in the family. We have tried many devices and have encountered challenges utilizing some of the technology due to reactions Kieran has had to some CGM and pump cannula materials. Finally, at age 10, Kieran is getting better at responding to his CGM alerts and we have a good relationship with the school nurse.
It was important for me to be proactive, so my younger son, Leif was screened for T1D antibodies at age 3. Now that Leif is 7, we are weighing the pros and cons of re-screening.
Why did you connect with DRIF?
I began contributing to other organizations but wanted to make a larger contribution which would specifically support cure-focused research. I began doing research and after learning about the DRI, I knew I found the best place to invest in a cure.
I recently toured the DRI with Kieran and Leif while visiting S. Florida from our home in Minnesota during spring break. We enjoyed spending time with DRI researchers in their labs and Kieran was very happy to see them working on a cure for T1D.
What is your favorite part of the research?
As a biomedical engineer who has spent years working on the development of medical devices outside of the diabetes space, I feel most tuned in to this area of research. However, there is also still a huge need to move beyond the traditional device solutions of CGMs and pumps. The DRI has several teams involved in the development of devices aimed at restoring natural insulin production without the need for systemic immunosuppression.
How do you support DRIF?
I am happy to support the DRIF and have contributed appreciated stock to fund cure-focused research. I also connected the DRI to a potential scientific collaborator who I met through my scientific work.