Miami, FL (March 24, 2009) —- Brazilian supermodel Izabel Goulart today announced she will serve as the International Ambassador for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to fund the cure-focused research at the world-renowned Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) at the University of Miami.
Izabel’s brother was diagnosed with type 1 during infancy, and she has been actively involved in charitable work, helping hospitals in her native Brazil raise money to provide free insulin for children with diabetes. Now, Izabel has turned her focus toward a cure and recently toured the Institute to meet the researchers and witness their work for herself.
“I am so excited and proud to be working with the Diabetes Research Institute. Nothing is more important to me than to cure diabetes for my brother,” said Izabel.
“If I can raise awareness in the course of my travels, and bring attention to the Diabetes Research Institute, I will be helping my brother and millions like him who are living with this disease.”
In her role as International Ambassador, Izabel will be rallying support and raising awareness for type 1 diabetes and for the DRI’s research to cure diabetes in all children and adults living with disease.
Some of the activities she will be participating in include serving as a spokesperson or honorary chair at DRI Foundation fundraising events and appearing in public service announcements, among others.
“When I first met Izabel, I was immediately taken in by her warmth and her passion and on her recent tour of the Institute, she exhibited a strong desire to understand the current state and direction of our research. She wants nothing more than to cure diabetes for her brother, and she knows firsthand how diabetes can affect the entire family,” said DRI Foundation President and CEO Robert A. Pearlman.
“The Diabetes Research Institute is located in Miami, but we collaborate with leading researchers around the globe to ensure that the finest minds are working to cure diabetes as quickly as possible. We’re honored to have an international figure like Izabel joining in our mission.”
Izabel exploded onto the international modeling scene in 2006 appearing as an “Angel” at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. In 2007, she also appeared in the show’s CBS television broadcast.
She has modeled for A-list designers like Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Valentino, and Chanel. Most recently, she has been the spokesmodel and face of Armani Exchange.
Izabel has appeared in and on the covers of top international fashion magazines, has been photographed by the most reputable fashion photographers, has appeared on hit television shows such as “Two and a Half Men” and “Entourage,” and has also made guest appearances on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”
About the Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation
The mission of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now. The Diabetes Research Institute, a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research.
Since its inception in the early 1970s, the DRI has made significant contributions to the field of diabetes research, pioneering many of the techniques used in islet transplantation. The DRI is now building upon these achievements by bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies to restore insulin production. For the millions of families already affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure.
Contact:
Lori Weintraub, APR
lweintraub@drif.org
954.964.4040