13th Annual 'Cooking For the Cure' Diabetes Fundraiser in Glen Cove

It wasn’t long after Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton’s oldest daughter, Amanda, was diagnosed with diabetes that she became deeply involved with the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRI). Since that time, she has become a major driving force for the Northeast Chapter, chairing fundraisers, speaking on behalf of DRI and otherwise helping to raise awareness about and funds to further research efforts towards a cure for this disease that afflicts nearly ten perfect of the population of the U.S.

Just one of the fundraising initiatives with which Delia is involved is the “Cooking For the Cure.” This year’s 13th annual event will take place on Monday, April 11 at The View Grill in Glen Cove. The event’s co-chairpersons are Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Rebecca Castronovo.

The DRI runs the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. The DRI’s focus is to develop a biological cure by replacing those cells. The organization is working on the creation of a BioHub, which is a “mini organ” that mimics the native pancreas. The BioHub contains thousands of insulin‐producing cells that sense blood sugar levels and release the precise amount of insulin needed in real time. “For the millions living with diabetes, the DRI BioHub brings the promise of natural insulin production and normal blood sugar levels one step closer to reality,” DRI Long Island Regional Director Anthony Childs said.

For more information about DRI’s 13th Annual Cooking for a Cure event or the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation in general, call 516-822-1700. Tickets are $75 per person. In addition to delicious food and a martini tasting bar, there will be a fabulous Chinese auction and live music performed by Chris Kinnear.