Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

A recognized world leader, the DRI is committed to curing children and adults living with diabetes and leads the world in bringing promising treatments to patients as fast as possible.

Why do we exist?

The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation exists for one reason – to provide the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now.  Our mission is a testament to the belief that tomorrow is not soon enough to cure those living with diabetes.

The DRI Foundation’s history of commitment dates back to 1971 when it was founded by a small group of parents of children with diabetes who were dedicated to finding a cure. Driven by a shared mission, they banded together to support a promising research program at the University of Miami solely aimed at curing those living with diabetes.

The DRI Foundation (DRIF) is recognized as one of the world’s most respected diabetes organizations, having grown into an international coalition of business leaders, celebrities, scientists, clinicians, families and other concerned individuals who have raised the importance of cure-focused research and provided meaningful support for the DRI’s multidisciplinary research program.

Over the last three decades, there has certainly been an increase of worthwhile diabetes organizations. With nearly 26 million children and adults affected by this devastating disease in the United States alone, these organizations provide a great service to help lift the burdens of diabetes.

But the DRIF is unique among diabetes causes by choosing to concentrate solely on the cure and by dedicating its resources – both financial and human – to this very goal. This narrow focus has attracted the attention of those who seek a clear mission and accountability when supporting a diabetes organization. Many of them have searched the world for the most worthy place to devote their commitment and support. They’ve joined us in order to make a difference and also because the DRIF’s funding provides scientists with the unparalleled opportunity to pursue new ideas, capitalize upon promising research avenues and maintain a strict focus on a cure.

What have you accomplished?

The Diabetes Research Institute was created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be its singular focus until that goal is reached. Since its inception, DRI scientists have been driven by a sense of urgency, pursuing only those research findings that show true potential to benefit those now living with diabetes.

People like Lori Martin, for example, who said, “My family was on constant alert,” prior to her receiving an islet cell transplant at the DRI.  After her second transplant in May of 2010, she no longer needed to take insulin.

In one mother’s words, “I saw something a few months back on the DRI website that just blew me away…‘We are dedicated to putting ourselves out of business by finding a cure for Diabetes. At that very moment, I realized the DRI really and truly cared about families and kids like mine,” said Dawn Lidwell.  “The people I have met from the DRI have literally changed my life.  I know in my heart I am in the right place and supporting the right people.  It’s an overwhelming feeling of passion, on both the DRI's part and on mine.”

With an aggressive approach to discovering a biological cure for this disease, along with its unique spirit of collaboration and notable accomplishments, the DRI is leading the international effort to eradicate diabetes by:

• pioneering new therapies to restore natural insulin production,
• bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies,
• collaborating with leading researchers around the world,
• training investigators in the newest research techniques,
• testing new technologies for corporations and other academic institutions,
• bringing promising discoveries from the lab to the patient as quickly as possible,
• improving lives with advanced treatment strategies,

…and becoming The Best Hope for a Cure for all individuals and families touched by diabetes.

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