DIABETES RESEARCH EVENT HONORS MYRON BLUMENFELD
By Debbie Greco Cohen
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 (DRIF). Since that time, she has become a major driving force for the Northeast Chapter, chairing fundraisers, speaking on behalf of DRIF 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 12th annual event will take place on Monday, April 27 at The View in Glen Cove. This year’s honoree is Myron Blumenfeld of Port Washington. Anyone who knows Myron knows he is very passionate about anything he undertakes. Just two examples are having co-founded Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington and, at 87 years young, still serving as a Trustee of the Port Washington Public Library Board. Yet, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is where the biggest part of his heart lies. Days after being born, Myron’s first grandchild had a seizure. He was diagnosed with diabetes and wasn’t expected to live. Fighting the odds, Jake Goodnow, now a tall and healthy fourteen-year-old, leads his entire family in fundraising for the JDRF. The family has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the JDRF since Jake was diagnosed. The DRI runs the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes. Their intent is to develop a biological cure by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. For more information about DRIF’s 12th 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. BACK TO WEEKLY |