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philanthropyCosmopolitan Internationalis a loyal friend in fight against diabetesOne of the most critical components ofbiomedical research is money. Without financialsupport, the best ideas never advance.That’s why a dependable funding source is soimportant. And one of the most loyal supportersof research at Eastern Virginia Medical School isCosmopolitan International.The international organization, which callsitself “the club that fights diabetes,” gave $1 millionto help found what is now known as the EVMSStrelitz Diabetes Center. The group has continuedto support the center over the years, most notablywith an international project that raised nearly$765,000 to support INGAP research. Recently theorganization’s Capital Federation, which includesclubs throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, pledgedanother $100,000 over five years.A key focus of interest amongCosmopolitans is the researchinto INGAP, a proteinco-discovered by Aaron Vinik,MD, PHD, research directorat the EVMS StrelitzDiabetes Center.Though the group supports research andpatient care at diabetes centers across the country,the ongoing research at EVMS is of specialinterest. That’s one reason why the group invitedJerry Nadler, MD, professor and chair of internalmedicine at EVMS and director of the StrelitzDiabetes Center, to present the keynote address attheir 2009 international meeting in New Orleans.A key focus of interest among Cosmopolitans isJerry Nadler, MD, left, chair of internal medicine and director of the EVMS Strelitz Diabetes Center, thanks Cosmopolitan CapitalFederation representatives Robert G. “Bob” Williams, center, and L.J. Smith for the organization’s latest $100,000 pledgethe research into INGAP, a protein co-discoveredby Aaron Vinik, MD, PHD, research director atthe EVMS Strelitz Diabetes Center. Diabetes resultswhen the body’s immune system mistakenly killsoff insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas;INGAP is a protein that encourages re-growth ofbeta cellsDr. Nadler spoke to the Cosmopolitans aboutnew research that combines INGAP with thedrug lisofylline. INGAP encourages the growthof insulin-producing beta cells, while lisofyllineblocks the destructive immune system and protectsthe new growth. When this combination therapywas studied in mice, researchers were able to reverseType 1 diabetes 70 percent of the time — even inmice with severe disease.“That’s why I wanted Dr. Nadler there,” says BobWilliams, a former president of the internationalorganization and vice chair of the club’s foundation.“People were happy to hear their money has beenwell spent.”Cosmopolitan International is a model ofphilanthropy. Not only is the organization loyal toits cause (it has supported diabetes for some 35 years),Cosmopolitan International and its members areextremely generous.There are some 70 clubs across the United States,Canada and Mexico encompassing 2,000 members.The individual clubs sponsor a variety of fundraisingevents, and individual members also donateto the cause.The club hands out gifts equivalent to $500 permember each year.“We give away a million dollars a year, and thereare only 2,000 of us,” Mr. Williams says. “That’spretty impressive for a small organization.”PHILANTHROPYwww.eVMS.EDU Fall 2009 37