3rd Annual "Haute Tea" of Love And Hope - part 2
Story/photos by Anne Jakowenko
September 12, 2014
FAN POWER-MAKING THE GIBBS HAPPY
September 14, 2014
Linda Gibb was honored on Friday September 12, 2014 for her decades of charitable work with the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. Why do she and the Gibb family dedicate themselves to this charity? Here’s an update.
There’s a very simple way that Bee Gee fans can bring a smile to every member of the Gibb family. It’s a no-brainer, and sometimes I shiver at the potential power the millions of fans can wield if they put their efforts together….it can be a tsunami of love, if only they are educated about what to do. So, let’s have an update on the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation and what fans need to know. Then I’ll explain how YOU can help.
Barry and Linda Gibb have been involved with the DRIF since the 70’s and now their children and grandchildren are supporters as well. This organization was created for one simple, clear, singular reason-to cure diabetes. Every day each member of the staff has this one goal in mind, and they are committed and determined to succeed. I’ve had first-hand experience visiting the facility, which is located on the campus of Miller Medical School in Miami, Florida. I listened to several of the scientists explain their research to me and met with Dr. Camillo Ricordi, who leads the fight against diabetes. What an honor that was!
For those of you who have not read the previous articles about the DRIF, please check them out on the front page of the GSI website at brothersgibb.org, where you can link to all three and read about how the Gibbs became involved with this most important cause. The latest news is GREAT! Just recently, the DRI received FDA approval to proceed with their Phase I/II clinical trial that will test the omentum,an apron-like lining inside the abdomen, as a possible transplant site in the body for the DRI BioHub. I don’t want to get too technical, but I do want fans to know what hope this brings to victims of this evil disease.
Put simply, the DRI BioHub is a bioengineered “mini organ” that mimics the native pancreas. It contains real insulin-producing cells that can sense blood sugar and release the precise amount of insulin needed-in real time. How amazing! To bring the possibility of natural insulin production and normal blood sugar levels to diabetics is a miracle and the DRI is close to making this a reality. There is so much more to this, and I urge Bee Gee fans to educate themselves and go to www.diabetesresearch.org and immerse in the many articles and videos available. Bee Gee fans are not “most people”. They are special and dedicated to the brothers, and they can show their love for the entire Gibb family by getting behind this cause. There are hundreds of thousands of fans on Facebook.
So type in www.facebook.com/diabetesresearch.org and check out how you can help. How about becoming a DRI Insider? It only takes a moment to sign up. In giving thanks for being honored by the DRIF, Linda Gibb commented about using her influence to do what she could to help. Think how happy she would be to know that fans were supporting her efforts.
The DRI also plans to test other BioHub platforms, including a “silicone scaffold”, using the omentum as a possible transplant site. In addition, DRI researchers will continue to pursue projects that will reduce or eliminate the need for systemic anti-rejection drugs, as well as strategies to develop a reliable supply of insulin-producing cells. These are important areas of focus of the DRI BioHub platform. Your support can make this work possible.
I lost an aunt to Type I diabetes when she suffered a heart attack after having a leg amputated. My young niece was diagnosed at age 15 and now wears the intimidating “pump” to stay alive. I feel my family’s pain and equate Type I diabetes with an evil tormenter that has the power to control the everyday existence of its victims and their families. Let’s stop this tormenter in its tracks. What can be better than being a Bee Gee fan who can take the power away from the disease and help the DRI find a cure?
Fans don’t have to suffer from diabetes to be advocates or spread the word. Make the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation your diabetes organization of choice.
Impressively, the progress of the DRI continues, and that’s the best news a Type I diabetic can hear. So get busy, fans. Let’s gaze upon happy Gibb smiles as a result of your support for their passionate cause.