The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation produces regular reports outlining current initiatives, studies and statistics related to the work that they are conducting, click on the image to download your copy of the latest report provided by DRIF.
THE EFFORT CONTINUESCI Past President and current Director of Special Projects, Dick Gorton is preparing to announce exciting results from our first two years supporting the CI International Project: Funding of Stem Cell Research through DRIF (US Based Foundation) and DRIFCan (Canadian Based Foundation).
Check back regularly as we continue to provide updated information on research advancement. DRI & DRIFCan continue to make strides in research and as they share updates, we will post the information here!
40 Years of the Ricordi Chamber: A Legacy of Breakthroughs
Forty years ago, a single breakthrough changed the course of diabetes research.
When isolating insulin-producing cells from the human pancreas seemed nearly impossible, Dr. Camillo Ricordi introduced a bold new approach — one that transformed fragile experimentation into a reliable, life-changing science.
Considered the gold standard in islet isolation, the Ricordi Chamber has since powered thousands of scientific discoveries, enabled clinical transplantation, and helped bring the field closer than ever to restoring the body’s natural ability to produce insulin.
Today, its impact spans more than 50 countries, 1,500+ scientific publications, and decades of progress toward a cure — made possible through a commitment to open science, collaboration, and innovation shared freely with the world.
Read the full story of the Ricordi Chamber’s 40-year global impact
2025 BJS Award interview with Professor James Shapiro, internationally recognized for transforming islet transplantation in the treatment of diabetes.
In conversation with Professor Stephen Wigmore, Treasurer of the BJS Foundation.
(Click Image <--- to go to video)
About:
The BJS Foundation is a charitable body dedicated to advancing and improving education in surgery. It promotes globally recognized surgical
journals and provides open access materials to support surgeons throughout their careers. The Foundation also offers an Academy to enhance
education and accreditation opportunities and provides privileged access to postgraduate educational opportunities. Its charitable activities
focus on sharing quality scientific research, supporting surgeons, and advancing the science of surgery.
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation: US based benefactor of the International Project, located in Miami, Florida.
If you would like to read more about what the Institute is doing in their fight for the cure, visit their site and read about the latest activities: https://diabetesresearch.org/research-progress/
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Canada: Canadian based benefactor of the International Project, located in Edmonton, Alberta.
If you would like to view videos and read about what the Institute in Edmonton is doing in their fight for the cure, visit their site and catch up on their latest activities: https://www.drifcan.com/research/
More about DRIFCAN:
DONATING TO DRIFCan (The Shapiro Lab, Edmonton Alberta)
Individuals: CFC Inc. (Cosmopolitan Foundation Canada Inc) has set up an option on CanadaHelps.org to identify donations for the International Project. It has been determined that these donations will be considered as part of your BEACON Contribution. To Donation, visit the link below, identify "International Project" in the drop down list and make your one time or recurring donation. Funds will be transfered to CFCI and forwarded to DRIFCan on a regular basis where volume dictates.
CFCI on CanadaHelps.org (Tax receipts for these donations will be issued by CanadaHelps.org)
Canadian Clubs: If you would like to donate to the International Project with funds directed to DRIFCan, please direct donations to CFCI so that all contributions can be tracked against our target of raising over $1.0M in 5 years.
Contributions may be mailed to:
Cosmopolitan Foundation Canada Inc.
PO BOX 35059
Regina SK S4X 4C6
US Clubs/Federations: If you would like to donate to the International Project with funds directed to DRIFCan, we have a way to accommodate that as well. Funds should be submitted to CDF (Cosmopolitan Diabetes Foundation) with a request that the funds be directed to DRIF with instruction for a transfer to DRIFCan. This is now possible through the partnership between DRIF & DRIFCan. CDF will forward funds to DRIF on a regular basis with instructions to transfer the donations to DRIFCan. That request by CDF will be cc'd to Melanie Hibbard, Exec Director, DRIFCan for tracking purposes.
(Tax receipts for all donations made directly to CFCI outside of CanadaHelps.org will be issued by CFCI annually)
DONATING TO DRIF (The Diabetes Research Institute, Miami, Florida)
Individuals: CDF (Cosmopolitan Diabetes Foundation) will accept donations to be directed to the International Project. Donations may be made online utilizing the link below. If you do opt for online donations, please email CDF to notify them of the donation and request that it be directed to the International Project with funds going to DRIF. It has been determined that these donations will be considered as part of your BEACON Contribution.
If you would like to mail your donation to CDF, please use the address below and include directed giving instructions that the funds are in support of the International Project
US Clubs/Federations: If you would like to donate to the International Project with funds directed to DRIF, funds should be submitted to CDF (Cosmopolitan Diabetes Foundation) with a request that the funds be directed to DRIF in support of the International Project. CDF will forward funds to DRIF on a regular basis.
Canadian Clubs: If you would like to donate to the International Project with funds directed to DRIF, please direct donations to CDF so that all contributions can be forwarded to DRIF in a coordinated fashion and tracked against our target of raising over $1.0M in 5 years.
CDF Contributions may be mailed to:
Cosmopolitan Diabetes Foundation
2500 W. 49th Street, Ste. 223
Sioux Falls, SD 57105-6508
2500 W. 49th Street, Ste. 223
Sioux Falls, SD 57105-6508
(All Tax Receipts for donations made through CDF will be issued by CDF in their regular processes.)
International Project launches in 2024/25
The Projects History:
The 2023-24 CI Board worked throughout the year to learn about Stem Cell Research, talking to many researchers and bringing information back to the Board for consideration. As part of their work, and after many years without an International Project to focus efforts on, the path was paved to present the Funding of Stem Cell Research through DRIF (US Based Foundation) and DRIFCan (Canadian Based Foundation) as the next International Project.
The Cosmopolitan International Board is happy to provide an updated presentation that can be used to launch the International Initiative with your Federation or Club.
In July 2024 we were fortunate to have representatives of both beneficiaries of International Project funding in attendance. Presentations were given outlining activities and funding needs. DRIF & DRIFCan entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023 focused in cross border sharing of research. Cosmopolitan International is excited to be able to provide financial support to both of these groups of Researchers.
The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation produces regular reports outlining current initiatives, studies and statistics related to the work that they are conducting, click on the image to download your copy of the latest report provided by DRIF.
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