Giving Back Magazine September 2018 | Page 25

to support DRC ’ s mission . Established in 2012 as a nonprofit organization by David Winkler and Dr . Alberto Hayek , its mission is to connect donors with early-career scientists enabling them to perform peer-reviewed , novel research designed to prevent and cure type 1 diabetes ( T1D ), minimize its complications and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease .
Over one million adults and 200,000 children living in America have type 1 diabetes , with more than 40,000 people
Sherry Ahern diagnosed annually . Despite its prevalence , funding for diabetes research is declining . DRC helps to solve this problem by creating a sustainable source of funding , allowing next-generation scientists to pursue innovative ways of curing the disease . The best part is the community
chooses which projects to support and 100 % of donations designated for research goes directly to the scientist ’ s lab .
The mission is personal to co-founder and Board Chair , David Winkler , who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age six and was not expected to live past 30 . “ This event serves as a way for all of us to connect , have fun and support a cause that is funding promising new research that may one day lead to a cure ,” Winkler shared with Giving Back Magazine .
Sherry Berman Ahern is the Event Chair and mother of a type 1 diabetic for the last 18 years . Along with her husband Kevin , they have been involved with DRC since its inception . “ Please join us for a fun party , dancing outside under the stars overlooking the waves in Del Mar . Enjoy delicious gourmet food , delectable desserts and open bars . Come early and bid on our silent action deals . Help us fund the cure ,” says Ahern .
Steve and Lisa Altman will be serving as honorary chairs this year . “ As parents of two children with type 1 , you always worry , and it is never easy . Even though they are adults , it is a constant presence in our lives . We are exploring every route towards a cure and are grateful for the good work being done by DRC ,” says Lisa Altman .
It takes a community to connect for a cure ! For tickets and more information , visit www . DiabetesResearchConnection . org / DanceforDiabetes or call ( 844 ) 484-3372 .
Steve and Lisa Altman with their kids
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