#United States #Oklahoma City #diabetes research #OU Health #Connect+Cure

A Night to Remember: 2025 Connect+Cure Gala

On a remarkable evening in Oklahoma City, over 800 attendees gathered for the much-anticipated 2025 Connect+Cure Gala, which successfully raised $4.7 million in support of funding vital research and programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center. This year’s gathering not only marked a significant financial milestone but also celebrated key advancements in diabetes research that continue to have a profound impact on individuals living with the disease.

The majority of the funds raised during the gala will be allocated to ongoing research initiatives, while a portion will contribute to diabetes outreach, prevention efforts, and sponsorship for Camp Blue Hawk. This residential summer program is designed for young people aged 9 to 17 living with Type 1 diabetes, providing them with unique experiences and supportive interactions.

The gala's master of ceremonies, Robin Marsh, an Emmy Award-winning journalist from KWTV News 9, set a vibrant tone for the night. Attendees were treated to an electrifying performance by Carrie Underwood, an eight-time Grammy Award winner and beloved Oklahoma native. Her return to her roots to support diabetes research added a special layer of significance to the event.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Harold Hamm International Prize for Biomedical Research in Diabetes to Dr. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler, an esteemed professor and director of the Institute of Diabetes Research at Helmholtz Munich in Germany. Recognized for her transformative contributions to diabetes research, Dr. Ziegler's work has paved the way for significant advancements in understanding and treating Type 1 diabetes. The Hamm Prize, which carries a generous monetary award of $250,000, honors individuals who have made substantial contributions to the field, particularly those who foster curative potential for diabetes.

In his commendation, Harold Hamm remarked, “Dr. Ziegler's groundbreaking research is transforming the future of Type 1 diabetes.” He emphasized that her dedication provides families with hope, reinforcing the decision to create the award as a means to celebrate and accelerate remarkable scientific discoveries.

Dr. Ziegler's pioneering research efforts have contributed to the launch of more than 20 clinical trials, establishing essential frameworks for public health initiatives. Her initiatives, which include a public screening program for early Type 1 diabetes detection, are considered models for similar programs worldwide. Notably, Dr. Ziegler's research led to a landmark clinical trial resulting in the FDA's approval of teplizumab, the first immunotherapy shown to delay the onset of Type 1 in at-risk individuals.

Dr. Jed Friedman, director of the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center and a professor in the OU College of Medicine, praised Ziegler, stating that her commitment and innovative approach have greatly enhanced our understanding of Type 1 diabetes, leading to practical solutions for delaying the disease. “Her work demonstrates how science and compassion intersect to foster real change in the lives of patients,” he noted enthusiastically.

As the gala progressed, the University of Oklahoma celebrated Harold Hamm with the inaugural Crystal Seed Sower Award, recognizing major donors whose contributions of $25 million or more have drastically influenced the university's mission and operations. Thanks to Hamm's unwavering dedication, the OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center has transformed into a national pioneer in diabetes research; funding for research has surged from $5 million to $33 million, further enabling significant strides in scientific discovery and application.

OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. expressed heartfelt gratitude for Hamm's impactful contributions, stating that few individuals leave a legacy as profound and lasting as Hamm has in enhancing the health and wellness of the state. His generous support exemplifies a commitment to fostering scientific discovery that can ultimately save countless lives.

The University of Oklahoma, established in 1890, remains a beacon of public research and educational achievement. With campuses in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa, it serves a plethora of educational and health care needs across the state, continually pushing the boundaries of innovation and research in health care. The impactful work being done at the OU Health Campus remains essential to confronting the diabetes crisis and many other health challenges facing society today.

As the evening came to a close, attendees left inspired and more hopeful than ever, committed to supporting the critical advancements being made in diabetes research, thanks to the generosity and spirit of community demonstrated during the 2025 Connect+Cure Gala.