2015 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Inc.

4,610 Pageviews Read Stories

Claim This Nonprofit

Nonprofit Info

 

 

Add to Favorites

Share this Nonprofit

Donate

Volunteering Oportunities

Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Health, Specifically Named Diseases Research

Mission: The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now.  Founded in 1971 by a small group of parents of children with diabetes who were committed to finding a cure for this devastating disease, the DRI Foundation has evolved into an international coalition of business leaders, celebrities, research scientists, clinicians, families and other concerned individuals who have helped change both the scope and direction of diabetes research. Supported by private philanthropy, the DRI Foundation is the organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate and committed to finding a cure for their loved ones and millions of others with diabetes. For more information, visit DiabetesResearch.org or call 1-800-321-3437.

Community Stories

28 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

ChurchillAnderson General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/15/2022

PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST has been my saving grace. Going through such a nasty divorce was such a disastrous thing on my credit. I can’t thank PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST enough for taking my credit out of the garbage after my divorce which brought down my credit score to 605 which I already have 10 negative items, credit card loan and eviction. Pinnacle credit specialist has done such an amazing job to help clear all the negative items and restore my credit score to 811. This company has been so professional and so amazing at keeping in touch with me every single step of the way. Thanks, you, PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST I will definitely recommend their service to all my friends and family. Contact them via: pinnaclecreditspecialist@gmail.com / +1 585 466 4373.

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

10/02/2015

The D.R.I.F has been a part of my volunteer activities for around ten years, and they are incredibly well-organized and focused. Their mission it to cure diabetes, and they are very creative and forward thinking on involving the community on this topic and it's importance. I work with them on media presentations after decades in local news & network news. They are easily as organized and efficient as any top network TV producers when launching a web series or segment about their efforts to cure diabetes. Full disclosure: I was also a patient of the medical facility they support, the D.R.I., and helped by them as a patient as well even when my insurance coverage was spotty at best.

1

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

10/01/2015

I'm a type 1 diabetes research transplant patient since 2008. My quality of life is normal and I have excellent diabetes control. My average blood sugar for one year is 91. I have an A1C in normal range. I have not taken insulin since July21,2010 but who's counting! I'm still a diabetic but a healthy one. There is hope for a cure. Randi Fibus-Caster. randifastalker@yahoo.com

Natasha12 Former staff

Rating: 5

09/30/2015

The DRIF is a family dedicated to making the dream of a cure come true. It's been my privilege to witness the staff, board, donors and volunteers working together with passion and persistence, feeding the brilliant minds at the DRI the necessary resources to end type 1 diabetes. After being part of this team for 9 years, I continue to believe wholeheartedly in the individuals who comprise this outstanding organization. Get involved; be part of something special.

1

KarenHosein General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/21/2015

I have been familiar with DRIF for several years now. Not only does my neighbor work for DRIF, but I have been around several family members and friends who have been battling Diabetes 1 or 2 for many years. My grandmother, my father, several aunts and uncles, cousins and, more recently, 6-year old Jaxon, a friend's grandson, have all been diagnosed with either Type and are doing what they need to do in order to survive. DRIF has provided education to the world of those afflicted; they have provided support and treatments; they have showed the best methods to approach this disease; and I know there will me much more to learn along this journey. I congratulate DRIF on the awesome and amazing work it is doing to help people be aware of Diabetes and its treatments. I congratulate DRIF for its dedication, devotion, and unselfish opportunities offered to people suffering from Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2. Well Done!

1

WSPeacock Client Served

Rating: 5

09/18/2015

I am so blessed to be associated with the DRI! I received an islet cell transplant and from day one every person I met at the DRI has given me, my family, and so many Type 1s unlimited hope! These are some of the most dedicated, compassionate, and brilliant(!) physicians/scientists/nurses I have ever met! My life and my family’s has truly been changed, not only because of the amazing transformation in my medical condition, but equally important, in the everlasting gift of hope and encouragement this wonderful team has given me and continues to give to so many Type 1s and their families! Thank you amazing DRI team and all DRI supporters!!

catherine.v.fisher Client Served

Rating: 5

09/17/2015

I became acquainted with the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation 11 years ago, shortly after my diagnosis with type 1 diabetes. I soon became a passionate supporter of the organization, as I quickly saw its unwavering commitment to a cure for type 1. I'm very close to the diabetes community, and understand I am unspeakably lucky to be associated to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. The organization does outstanding work in its intelligent, passionate, dynamic and compassionate approach to cure-focused efforts. After almost a dozen years of proximity to the DRIF, I can confidently say I'll continue to unwaveringly support its efforts in any way I can - such is my trust in, positive experience with, and belief in the organization.

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/16/2015

I have been volunteering for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation for years. The faculty and staff are knowledgeable, passionate and committed to finding a cure for diabetes. I'm proud to be a part of this organization and look forward to continue volunteering .

1

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

09/16/2015

i mentioned DIRF to one of my work colleagues and told him he should look into the services and information he might be able to get concerning his diabetes. one phone call and he had more information and help than in all the years he has been diagnosed. he told me how awesome the people he spoke to were and helpful. one phone call was all it took to get an amazing amount of help and knowledge

1

PAbernathy Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/15/2015

As a person with Type 1 diabetes, I have been waiting 27 years for a cure. And I'm doing everything I possibly can to stay healthy until that happens. I don't know when it will come, but I have to believe that it will, hopefully in my lifetime. It seems to me that the DRI Institute is blazing a trail with determination to hand me and millions of others like me, the golden prize....a cure. They continue to forge ahead, to keep going until they achieve that end and to me, that is what it will take to some day eliminate this terrible condition that affects so many of us. I'm watching them closely and keeping a hopeful thought that perhaps my life will change forever.

Vinikoor Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/11/2015

I have been a patient at the Diabetes Research Institute since 1975. I was diagnosed in 1968 and remain complication-free, largely because of the excellent medical care that the DRI provided. As an individual, couples and family therapist, I have been afforded the opportunity to volunteer at the DRIF and teach coping mechanisms to families living with Type 1 Diabetes. The DRIF staff is extremely dedicated and committed to find a cure and to educate, support and provide services to the community. I do not hesitate in giving the highest rating to the DRIF--if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would!!

jax4 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/04/2015

My son Jax was diagnosed with Type 1 a week after his first birthday :(
After walking out of the hospital 10 days later with all my diabetes training and education materials , I didn't even know where to turn for support. I felt my world was crumbling right before my eyes. I knew I needed to connect with moms of Type 1's and have a support system that could really understand what I was going through.
***Having good friends and family are necessary during this time and so are Type 1 mom's !
(who I now consider good friends as well)
I was fortunate to meet a mom at a PEP meeting I read about and it was then that I learned of the Diabetes Research Institute. I took an amazing tour of the facility to see what the researchers are studying everyday to find a cure for our kids. Just to know in my young son's lifetime (he's now 4), there may be a cure is all I need to keep going everyday. I truly believe the DRI has the best researchers and they are committed to the possible cure becoming a reality. I am hopeful for a breakthrough in the next 10-15 years.
The DRI staff...they have become my friends. I have worked on many projects with them and we also attend the "Walk for a Cure" every year as well. The staff is amazing and if they asked me to do anything to bring awareness to Type 1, I would do it in a heartbeat. They keep me connected to the new research findings, events and give me hope each and everyday by knowing that we are all working on the same common goal-
A cure!
Lisa- Type 1 mom

1

Muriel2 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/21/2013

I had the privilege of getting a private tour thru their facilities. It is amazing all the great things and hard work that go on in here every single day. I'm a "diabetes mom"....and hope for a cure so much. Not only for my child but for so many other patients as well. Finding a cure to diabetes will also, bring us closer to understanding better so many other chronic diseases, and hopefully, cure those as well. Once and for all!!!!!!!!

1

mathed924 Board Member

Rating: 5

11/07/2012

The DRIF is at the forefront of research into finding the Cure for Type I Diabetes. The organization works with research groups all over the world. If you know anyone with Type 1 Diabetes you know how important it is to find a cure for this incideous disease as soon as possible. If you want a cure, then you need to support the DRIF.

Previous Stories
8

Board Member

Rating: 5

06/18/2010

The happiness of parenthood is sharply defined by the health and welfare of our children. The parents of children with diabetes have the constant presence of a monkey on our shoulders, as our children’s moment to moment health can vary without an exact explanation as to why the change is happening. Parents of children newly diagnosed with Type I diabetes are caught in a whirlwind of fear, disbelief, and unanswerable questions. The members of the PEP Squad of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation have walked in their shoes, so we reach out to them to make this new road a little smoother to travel. We are there to give support, answer seemingly “silly” questions, and give them reassurance about their children’s futures. We hope that we can make them feel a little less alone at what is one of the most difficult times faced by parents – the diagnosis of Type I diabetes in a child!

Mom2two General Member of the Public

Rating: 4

07/11/2011

Our daughter has been a diabetic since the age of 12. She has always been well controlled and rarely has any problems,yet she wanted to learn more about the disease and new inavations in monitoring and delivering her insulin.
She visited DRI and came home with a wealth of imformation and a new way to deliver her insulin without the daily injections. She tells me the staff has helped her tremdously and even tested her children for any sign that they may develope the disease.
These people are truely decicated to finding a cure and I certainly will support their cause in any way that I am able.

Crystal S. Board Member

Rating: 5

06/22/2011

After my 5 year old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes I did not know where to turn. After researching I found the DRI in our own backyard and found hope for Matthew! Upon touring the DRI, I was so impressed with the medical advances and the dedication of Dr. Ricordi's team, we joined the DRI Foundation and have not looked back since. As the mother of a child with Type 1, I will not give up until there is a cure. After 6 years we still have complete faith that the DRI will find a cure in the near future.

roberta waller Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/15/2011

When my daughter was diagnosed with type one diabetes we wanted to find a cure . The people at DRI made us feel confident that would happen one day and I still have faith 25 years later . I have seen the progress over the years. I know the some of the scientist personally I know they are dedicated to finding a cure. I love seeing the mice and the microscopes and how the DRI has grown.
I love all the other good people I have meet who have the same goal as I do. Finding a cure for type one diabetes.

ltomovski General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/13/2011

An institute dedicated towards finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.
Our children deserve to live their childhood.

David E. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/10/2011

As a diabetes advocate, I've been deeply moved by the work of the DRI. Their researchers and staff are extraordinarily passionate and dedicate to diabetes cure. Their philosophy of working closely with others and sharing their work makes them a focal point for cure-focused research around the world.

Noreen

Noreen General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/10/2011

I support the DRIF because it is singularly focused. Its goal is to provide funding to cure diabetes now. Not tomorrow. Not ten years from now. Today. And when you talk to researchers at the DRI, each one of them seems to genuinely share that same sense of urgency. The scientists I've been fortunate enough to meet there are an inspried, dedicated group of professionals committed to finding a biological cure.

marj Donor

Rating: 5

06/10/2011

This charity is the best! Generous donors and volunteers work hard and give lots. The events that I go to are always top notch and everyone there is passionate about finding a cure for diabetes.

cdoyle1013 Donor

Rating: 5

06/09/2011

Having a child with Type 1 diabetes, I always keep a keen eye out for research and cures. Other Type 1 organizations not only spend their money for diabetes cures, but also for diabetes REATMENTS. We are not interested in further treatments. We want an end to this disease. The Diabetes Research Institute shares our family's goal - ALL of their donations go to efforts to find a cure. ALL of their research is shared among other researchers to help facilitate the knowledge in finding a cure. After losing my daughter's Dad to cancer (which occurred at the same time my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1), I promised my daughter a cure within MY lifetime and I prayed to God that I would live to see that happen. My faith and my dollars have been placed with the DRI in securing this goal.

7

cheryl18 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/09/2010

My daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 8 years - at the same time that her Dad was losing his life to melanoma. I remember that my daughter asked me at the time of her diagnosis how long she would have to "keep getting shots". The look on my then 8 year old's face when I told her "for the rest of your life" was heartbreaking to the point tears welled up in my eyes. Then I added, "until the time we find a cure" and I promised her we would find that cure for her during MY lifetime. My husband's death left us without health insurance. I took a part time job with an airline to provide health insurance. (I had three small children to raise - one who had just been diagnosed with a chronic disease). My family also got involved with fundraising and research for the major diabetes organization, JDRF, who is also committed to a cure. But, almost 8 years later and no cure in sight, I am somewhat disappointed in the money being spent on "treatments' for diabetes versus a true "cure". One day, not so long ago, while I was taking calls in our airline's reservations center, a passenger, Lori Weintraub, called to book tickets. When she gave me her email address, the letters in her email server got to me - DRI. For whatever reason, I saw the word "diabetes" and asked her if she was involved in any way with the chronic disease. She was suprised and added that she indeed was affiliated with the Diabetes Research Institute. We talked for a while regarding various research projects on cures and asked me to email her. She emailed me back with so much information regarding the Diabetes Research Institute and what they were doing towards a cure. Treatments are not acceptable to them. Only cures. Lori put the hope back in our lives that because of dedicated researchers at places like the DRI, a cure will be found in MY lifetime! I have begun to be an active member in helping in this process by fundraising and raising awareness of this nonprofit. Thank you Lori and DRI

10

lisat Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/08/2010

My first experience with the DRI/DRIF was when I met Lori W. through email. Not only did she seem to care about my family, she made continued efforts to see how I was handling all of the emotional changes I was going through. Our "online" friendship turned into one of the best experiences of my life! I felt like I was part of her extented family and that I could always turn to her when I needed to... I will always be greatful for that! I decided that this new "family" was who I wanted to be affiliated with and decided to make the DRI our charity with our fundraising efforts. Since touring the DRI this May, it sealed the deal with whom I would be giving my money from our walk until a cure is found. The visit was the first time I felt any hope since Zach was diagnosed and I am honored to be a part of this wonderful new family!

1

k8 Former staff

Rating: 5

06/07/2010

My experience at the DRIF helped me see that many roles count. I have never worked with a more dedicated team of scientists, staff, volunteers and donors. The scientific and clinical advances made by the DRI and its collaborators are a true example of the saying "it takes a village". I wish the DRI the best and I know that when the cure is found I will have been a part of it.

6

tracy12 Volunteer

Rating: 4

06/04/2010

As a research volunteer I was involved in a few programs that assisted scientists studying the effects of diabetes know just how brittle a female who has had the disease since the age of 3 1/2 years old can be. I am 47 now and have helped by giving time and information to the researchers to improve products for those suffering with the disease. My family also was involved with raising money for this organization when I was growing up as well as starting an original chapter that began this foundation in North Miami Beach Florida. Later my Mom gave both time and money when she remarried and my Dad gave time and continues to try to help me live as productive and healthy a life as possible with the disease at this point. Please know for those who can do it with the disease it takes much effort on the part of parents and the medical community as well as the child who must learn to cope with all kinds of situations on their own. It takes so much that all we can ask for is help from the community to try to combat this disease and make it better for all.

8 AskManny

AskManny General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/04/2010

Having visited DRI in Miami once, I was very impressed with the way the institute is set up with the goal of finding a cure as its core, resulting in the tearing of inter-departmental barriers to facilitate collaboration internally. Also, it was impressive to learn about the efforts to create a DRI Federation to facilitate collaboration with other research institutions all over the world. They are without a doubt the best hope there is for a cure for diabetes!

Need help?