Casey Davis, MA Chief Philanthropy Officer, Diabetes Research Connection

Diabetes Research Connection, a local nonprofit, supports a healthy, safe, and thriving San Diego by funding early-career scientists to help them launch novel research projects to find a cause, treatments, and a cure for Type 1 diabetes. This year they are celebrating their 10th anniversary, marking over $12 million raised from their donor network to fund Type 1 diabetes research, and a continued commitment to funding innovative research and hope for our community.

Last year, Diabetes Research Connection had a record-raising year, investing $422,500 in direct research funding. Other milestones detailed in the Diabetes Research Connection’s 2021 Annual Report, include:

· 48 innovative Type 1 diabetes research projects funded

· 13 funded researchers received follow-on funding

· 5 research project findings were published in leading scientific journals

· 4 funded researchers started their own labs

· 800+ committed donors

 “As Diabetes Research Connection begins its second decade of funding innovative early-career scientists, we’re seeing our unique concept in Type 1 diabetes research funding lead to significant changes,” says C.C. King, Ph.D, Co-Founder and President of Diabetes Research Connection.

Many of Diabetes Research Connection’s founders, board members, staff, supported researchers, and volunteers fight this autoimmune disease daily or have family and friends that do. Kaya Keutler, a Diabetes Research Connection volunteer and Ph.D. student, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 13 and knew she wanted to become a scientist and work in the research field of diabetes.

“I knew I wanted to become a scientist and work on a cure for diabetes back then,” said Kaya. “Although actively working in diabetes research today, I now know it's not that simple. We still need to learn so much about the disease and its treatment.”

Diabetes Research Connection also connects with the community for a cure. They provide education and resources for the community and have researchers and board members present at local nonprofit events to promote awareness and spread knowledge about the importance of biomedical research for Type 1 diabetes. They work with other Live Well San Diego Recognized Partner organizations, like North County Philanthropy Council and Jimbo’s, and are an Energy Solutions Partner with SDG&E.

Visit their website at www.diabetesresearchconnection.org to learn more about their annual Dance for Diabetes event and volunteer opportunities.