'Be Part of the Cure' Campaign Kicks Off National Diabetes Awareness Month

Thousands of photos, stories to spell out C-U-R-E and support the Diabetes Research Institute

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Beginning today, thousands of people who want to help put an end to diabetes can be part of the cure by participating in the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation's online campaign at BePartoftheCure.org.  Kicking off National Diabetes Awareness Month, the Be Part of the CURE campaign is a fun and meaningful way for people living with diabetes, their family and friends, and anyone concerned about curing this devastating disease to literally participate in the "CURE."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101101/DC91611)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101101/DC91611)

The centerpiece of the campaign, which runs through December 31st, is a virtual mosaic that spells the word C-U-R-E, populated by the images of those affected by diabetes. With a minimum $10.00 donation, participants can upload a photo of their choice and submit a short story about how diabetes touches their lives. The campaign sponsors, Animas and LifeScan, will match the first $25,000 in donations.

The final CURE collage image will be reproduced on a giant banner that will hang within the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami, the beneficiary of the campaign proceeds. Those who make a minimum $50.00 donation will receive a mouse pad bearing the final CURE image. All campaign participants will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win two tickets to the concert of their choice in their local area.

Be Part of the Cure will be supported by a robust social media effort on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, which will feature videos from a number of celebrities who are lending their support to the campaign, such as actors Edward James Olmos and Elizabeth Dennehy, NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino, Miss America 1999 Nicole Johnson, American Idol finalist Kevin Covais and renowned chef Michel Nischan to name just a few. The DRI Foundation has also enlisted the support of many leaders throughout the diabetes online community, including Children with Diabetes founder Jeff Hitchcock.  

The entire CURE theme is particularly significant for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, which has been focused on this singular goal since its inception almost four decades ago. The campaign is being launched in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month and at a time when donations are urgently needed.

"The Diabetes Research Institute has been making tremendous progress toward a cure for this disease and we must keep our critical research moving forward. Everyone affected by diabetes can be part of this campaign," said Robert A. Pearlman, president and CEO of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. "Tomorrow isn't soon enough to cure the millions of children and adults living with diabetes worldwide and the only way we will get there is with continued funding. Now is not the time to slow down our research – we need everyone to participate in some way."

Running in conjunction with the Cure campaign is the DRI Foundation's Diabetes 2.0 update, comprised of a series of videos featuring DRI scientists describing their cutting-edge research initiatives and the exciting progress under way. The DRI Foundation has previously held its annual Diabetes 2.0 Conference at various locations in New York City and Florida. This year, Diabetes 2.0 is being presented online at the organization's website, DiabetesResearch.org, to enable broader access by people around the world who are eager to learn the latest news from the labs.

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.  For more information, call 1-800-321-3437 or visit DiabetesResearch.org.

SOURCE Diabetes Research Institute Foundation