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 driving force for the Northeast Chapter, chairing fundraisers, speaking on behalf of DRIF and otherwise helping to raise both funds and awareness to further research efforts toward a cure for this disease that afflicts nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population.
One of DRIF’s fundraising initiatives is the “Cooking for a Cure.” This year’s 12th annual event will take place on Monday, April 27, at The View in Glen Cove, and this year’s honoree is Myron Blumenfeld of Port Washington.
Anyone who knows Blumenfeld knows he is very passionate about anything he undertakes. Just two examples are having cofounded 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 14 year old, leads his entire family in fundraising for the JDRF. The family has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the JDRF.
The DRIF 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, 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.
