WELLESLEY, Mass., May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The New England Chapter - Bay State Branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the leader in setting the agenda for diabetes research worldwide and the largest charitable funder and advocate of type 1 research, will host its 27th Annual Hearts & Heroes Gala on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. JDRF will pay tribute to Duane DeSisto, President and Chief Executive Officer of Insulet Corporation, as Honoree while the Nancy Jones Diabetes Champion Award will be given to U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy. The black tie event is expected to raise $1.5 million for research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.
Insulet Corporation is an innovative medical device company dedicated to improving the lives of people with diabetes. The company's OmniPod Insulin Management System is a revolutionary, discreet and easy-to-use insulin infusion system that features two easy-to-use parts with no tubing and fully-automated cannula insertion. Through the OmniPod System, Insulet seeks to expand the use of insulin pump therapy among people with insulin-dependent diabetes. Founded in 2000, Insulet Corporation (Nasdaq: PODD) is based in Bedford, Massachusetts. Insulet began a local partnership with the JDRF New England Chapter - Bay State Branch in 2006 when they became a Bronze Research Sponsor of the Main Event Gala. Insulet has continued to support and attend the Gala every year. In 2008 they expanded their support by partnering with JDRF on a national level by sponsoring multiple Walk to Cure Diabetes sites throughout the country, including the Boston Walk.
Duane DeSisto has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Insulet since 2003. Previously, he served as the company's acting Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Prior to joining Insulet, Mr. DeSisto was with PaperExchange.com, Inc., a business solutions provider for the pulp and paper industry, serving in various positions including President, Chief Executive Office and Chief Financial Officer. Previously, Mr. DeSisto served as Chief Financial Officer of FGX International Holdings Limited (formerly AAI-Foster Grant, Inc.), an accessories wholesaler. From 1986 to 1995, Mr. DeSisto served as Chief Financial Officer of ZOLL Medical Corporation, a medical device company.
