Who We Are

Insulin for Life began in Australia in 1986 by Ron Raab, who had been witness to the dreadful effects of untreated diabetes. He founded the non-profit organization as a means to make use of otherwise unneeded insulin. IFL Australia collects unused, unneeded, and in-date insulin from around Australia and ships it to diabetic children in developing countries around the world. So far, IFL has shipped insulin and other diabetes supplies to over 60 countries, including the US for Hurricane Katrina relief. Each year, IFL Global collect and distributes approximately 250,000 mls of insulin (25,000 vials) and 8,000 boxes of glucose text strips. These supplies are valued at US$1.2 million each year.

Insulin for life (headquartered in Melbourne, Australia) has been continually growing and now has distribution centers across the world. These include Diabetes Auckland, Insulin Zum Leben (Austria), Insulin Zum Leben (Germany), IFL Netherlands, Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust (United Kingdom), and IFL USA. IFL also actively cooperates with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the IDF Child Sponsorship Program (www.idf.org). Together we are saving lives around the world!

Members of the Insulin for Life Global network are:

Insulin for Life Australia (formed 1999)
Insulin Zum Leben Austria (formed 2006)
Insulin Zum Leben Germany (formed 2000)
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust-UK (supplies program started 2002)
Insulin for Life USA (formed 2003)

Insulin for Life Board of Directors faculty

IFL Board Members (left to right): Neil Donelan, Faye Kirkwood, Bruce Wainright, Ron Raab (President), Alicia Jenkins.

Ron Raab OAM, President

Trained in economics, statistics and mathematics
Vice-President, International Diabetes Federation (2000-2006)
Member, of the International Diabetes Federation Insulin and Supplies Task Force
Member, Declaration of the Americas Diabetes Medical and Scientific Consultative Group
Employed at the International Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia (Professor Paul Zimmet, Director), 1980-1999 in international diabetes humanitarian and education activities, including the development and management of the then International Emergency Insulin Distribution Program, 1986-1999 from which Insulin For Life evolved.
Has had Type 1(insulin-dependent diabetes) since 1957 at age 6
Has adopted a low carbohydrate/low insulin regime which has resulted in a major improvement in daily blood sugars and quality of life

Faye Kirkwood, Nurse

Extensive experience in the care of disabled persons, including a number who also have diabetes
Involved in diabetes activities for many years, including as President of the Diabetes Support Association, now affiliated with the International Diabetes Institute, Australia
Has had diabetes since 1991

Neil Donelan, Insurance Assessor

Involved in a number of local and overseas humanitarian aid activities, including the physical transporting of insulin overseas

Bruce Wainwright, Lawyer

Has had Type I (insulin dependent diabetes) since 1950 at age 14 and has so far not suffered any complications. No doubt a conscientious awareness of a healthy diet and exercise have been important but also an optimistic outlook for a positive and enjoyable life
Authored a book on living with diabetes
Member of an advisory committee to Government on diabetes concerns

Dr Alica Jenkins, Diabetes Specialist and Researcher

Diabetes Specialist and Researcher at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
Visiting Professor, University of Oklahoma, USA
Initiated and developing the Insulin for Life USA office in Oklahoma

These Board members are also involved in the daily operational activities for Insulin for Life, such as fundraising, publicity, obtaining and sending insulin, and administration.