about us

The Cincinnati Islet Initiative (CII) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping improve the lives of people with diabetes through improved treatment and, eventually, a cure.

The roots of CII trace back to October 2004, when a group of concerned people gathered at a Cincinnati area research facility to discuss the need for increased funding of a specific kind of diabetes research: islet cell transplantation. (Islet cells, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, are often damaged in people with insulin-dependent diabetes.) Over the next three-and-a-half years, the organization built a strong membership and support base, held formal fundraisers, and educated the public about diabetes and islet cell research. CII officially became a government-recognized 501(c)3 charity in October 2006.

Between 2008 and 2010, CII's scope grew to include efforts to improve the treatment and quality of life of people with diabetes. The group started the long-term "Control Your Diabetes" project, based on the American Academy of Family Physician's Peers for Progress model, in 2010. This project emphasizes improved blood glucose control and coaching opportunities between mentors and mentees working together to improve quality of life.

CII is based in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area. It has a dedicated team of board members, volunteers, and consultants, and has demonstrated success in helpingto improve the lives of people with diabetes for several years.

The following provides more information about CII's mission, board, and professional consultants. More information on volunteer coordinators and mentors will be added  in the future.

our mission

The Mission of the Cincinnati Islet Initiative, Inc. is to act as a non-profit corporation to provide financial, material, and other support to recognized clinicians, organizations, and persons engaged in the field of research or treatment of diabetes.  It is the goal of the Cincinnati Islet Initiative, Inc. to work towards finding a cure for, and improved treatment of, people with diabetes who are on insulin.

Board

The Board of CII is made up of five people working together to provide guidance and governance to the group's efforts to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

  • Terri L. Becker, President. As president of the organization, Terri is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of CII. She represents the group in numerous meetings and discussions with sponsors and vendors and at various speaking engagements. Terri has served on the boards of two non-profit organizations (including CII)  involved in efforts to improve the lives of people with diabetes.
  • Jeremy R. Merritt, Vice President. As vice president, Jeremy supports the work of the president and helps delegate duties on her behalf. One of his primary responsibilities is to oversee and provide technical services to the group; these services include website administration.Jeremy has served on the boards of two non-profit organizations (including CII) involved in efforts to improve the lives of people with diabetes.
  • Colleen Froehle, Secretary. Colleen brings several years of experience in non-profit work to her role as secretary for CII. She organizes meetings and coordinates internal communications as well as communications with supporters, sponsors, vendors, and others. Colleen has served on the board of CII for several years and also has experience coordinating and participating in other volunteer efforts.
  • Toby Heile, Treasurer. In his role as treasurer, Toby is responsible for overseeing the finances of the organization. Toby has a wealth of experience in fundraising and non-profit work, including his work with CII and fundraising development in the education sector.
  • Jill Braun, Board Member at Large. Jill serves as a board member for CII. Her extensive experience in non-profit and fundraising work has proven extremely valuable to CII's mission, and she has worked in several capacities for the organization, including fundraising and overall event organization. Jill has served on the boards of three non-profit organizations (including CII) involved in efforts to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

consultants

Consultants provide professional consulting services to CII to help further CII's mission. These people donate their own time to fill a need for professional advisement. Many of them are affiliated with other professional organizations; such affiliations do not imply any endorsement of or relationship with CII by those organizations.

  • Michael K. Heile, MD, Medical Advisor. Dr. Heile is an experienced family physician who treats numerous people with diabetes. As medical advisor to CII, he helps identify best practices and specific goals for the organization.
  • Betty Hollstegge, RD, LD, CDE, Coaching Advisor. Betty is a certified diabetes educator (CDE) who works with people with diabetes and their families in a family practice setting. Betty provides her expertise to the organization.