The prevalence of diabetes in Florida has increased nearly 70 percent in the past ten years. To address this challenge, “we have established a ‘new-age’ Diabetes and Obesity Research Center here in Orlando,” said Dr. Daniel Kelly, scientific director of Sanford-Burnham’s Orlando campus, located in the emerging Medical City at Lake Nona, as he addressed an enthusiastic audience at Bring It! Orlando on November 3.
For the many corporate and individual supporters attending the fundraising event, the fight against diabetes had personal significance as diabetes now affects one in 10 Floridians, and most alarmingly, has spread to the pediatric population.
Bring It! is a game show-style event now in its second year in Orlando. This year’s superhero theme showcased the Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, one of Sanford-Burnham’s five disease-focused centers. Dr. Kelly called upon attendees to join forces to further empower the Center’s superhero scientists, with event proceeds going to benefit the Center’s research. The event was co-chaired by County Commissioner Jennifer Thompson and Blue Cross Blue Shield Executive Tony Jenkins. Honorary Chairs Renee and Jim Jardon and Susan and Ed Baxa also contributed their powers. We appreciate the generosity of all our corporate sponsors. Philanthropic investment in medical research fills a critical funding gap that grows as federal grant funding from the National Institutes of Health and other sources dwindles.
Before the competition began, Dr. Kelly described the Institute’s innovative approach – an approach that has produced early accomplishments, including recruiting 20 world-class faculty members and forming strategic partnerships with regional health systems, such as Florida Hospital. Nemours Children’s Hospital and Orlando Health were among the local organizations whose table sponsorships contributed to the evening’s success.
Held at the Hard Rock Live, at Universal Theme Park, caped guests and masked sidekicks were greeted by Cat Woman and Bat Man stilt walkers and posed for personalized comic strip photos. Marvelous Mark, emcee extraordinaire, kicked things off with a series of lightening round trivia questions. The competition reached a fevered pitch as attendees pounded their drum sticks in support of 18 spirited teams. Participants competed in local trivia and a science quiz, then took to the stage for the Hulk Challenge, Fat Toss, and Superhero Slogan Identifier – all games requiring a comic mix of skill and luck. Throughout the show, the audience gave generously to compete for dinner and spa prizes during live auctions. Ultimately, the Sonny’s Restaurant team triumphed and was rewarded with a 12-person VIP tour to Universal and Islands of Adventure Theme Parks.
Sanford-Burnham scientists are focused on developing new therapeutic approaches to treat complex and devastating diseases. With the support of Bring It! Orlando, researchers will continue their efforts to fight the diabetes challenge. Those who were unable to attend the event can still support the cause by visiting Sanford-Burnham’s website.
For more about Sanford-Burnham’s diabetes research, read these blog posts.