Category: Blog
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DRC Director’s Report – May 2026
Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research (FOEDRC) member, Leon Jons MD, is contributing to innovative clinical efforts at UI Health Care aimed at improving weight management and metabolic health using GLP-1 based therapies. Originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, these medications have gained widespread attention for their ability to promote clinically meaningful
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2026 Convention Rooms & Registration Now Open
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and this year’s International Convention is no exception. The Fraternal Order of Eagles will be heading to the Hilton Anatole Hotel, August 8-13 in beautiful Dallas, Texas, for a week of incredible fraternal activities. Rooms are available at the Anatole at a rate of $139/night++ with a $12/day
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Wellcare and Eagles Work Together to Educate Members on Medicare Coverage Options
For more than 20 years, Wellcare has focused on providing Medicare Advantage plans that go beyond Original Medicare, offering additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing and $0 or low monthly plan premiums – all with the goal of improving health outcomes and quality of life. The partnership between Wellcare and the Fraternal Order of Eagles
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DRC Director’s Report – April 2026
The Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research center is proud to highlight the Pediatric Healthy Weigh Clinic, one of two winners of the 2025 High Impact Proposal challenge at UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The proposed clinic was awarded $410,000 to support its mission of improving health outcomes for children with obesity. The
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In Memory of PGMP Linda Heffner
Past Grand Madam President Linda Lou Heffner, 80, passed away at home on Friday, March 6, 2026. Born and raised in Brunswick, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Roland and Doris Heffner, Sr. After graduating from Brunswick High School in 1963, she started her career at the Atomic Energy Commission, and retired from
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DRC Director’s Report – February 2026
FOEDRC Researcher Identifies Key Link Between Dietary Fat and Breast Cancer Metastasis FOEDRC member and Bridge to the Cure recipient Bing Li, PhD, is studying how different types of dietary fat may impact disease and overall health. In a recent study conducted in the Department of Pathology, Dr. Li and colleague Jiaqing Hao, PhD, focused
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In Memory of PGWP Elwin “Bud” Haigh
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Past Grand Worthy President Elwin L. “Bud” Haigh. Bud joined the organization in April 1979 and was a proud member of Three Rivers, Michigan, Aerie #2303. Bud routinely went above and beyond the call of duty to serve his peers. Six months after joining,
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DRC Director’s Report – January 2026
The Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center held its 9th Annual Research Retreat on October 31, 2025, in the Medical Education Research Facility. Faculty, trainees, and collaborators gathered for a dynamic half-day program focused on scientific discovery, trainee engagement, and continued growth across the Center’s research programs. The retreat opened with welcome remarks from
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DRC Director’s Report – December 2025
Renata Pereira Alambert, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, has received a three-year, $450,000 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust. The grant will fund Pereira’s research project “Adipose Tissue-Heart Crosstalk in Cardiovascular Disease.” Cardiovascular disease remains the leading
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DRC Director’s Report – November 2025
We are pleased to share highlights from the Fall 2025 Medicine Iowa article, “Exploring the Pathways in Fat Metabolism,” which showcases groundbreaking research led by researchers at the FOE Diabetes Research Center. The four studies highlighted underscore our leadership in uncovering new metabolic targets to combat diabetes- and obesity-related diseases and improve global health outcomes.