Remembering DRWF Co-Founder and Chairman, Mike Gretschel
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of DRWF Co-Founder and Chairman, Walter Michael (Mike) Gretschel. Mike passed away peacefully in early December 2024.
Mike Gretschel was born and raised in the Washington DC area and had a long and successful career in international fundraising.
He raised millions of pounds for diabetes, cancer, and kidney disease research, animal welfare causes, and vital humanitarian efforts both in the United States and around the world.
In 1993, after two of his children were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Mike co-founded the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF) in Washington DC, with DRWF (UK) being set up just 5 years later in 1998.
Mike’s mission in life was to fund diabetes research and support projects that had potential to fast-track to a cure.
He also envisioned a future where people living with diabetes received ongoing education and support that they need to stay well and enjoy the best quality of life. Hence our strapline of ‘Staying well until a cure is found…’
Under Mike’s leadership, DRWF went on to open affiliates in France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Norway. All of whom provide diabetes awareness, information and support to their respective diabetes communities, whilst providing essential research funding for young and established scientists pursuing innovative research studies.
His motivation was the ever-increasing and staggering global diabetes statistics and his belief that we had to make a difference across nations.
Mike was an adventurous world traveler and outdoor enthusiast and took great pride in hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon (and back to the top) six times. He was also an enthusiastic fisherman. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, four children, and 14 grandchildren, who lovingly refer to him as “Big Mike”.
Sarah Tutton, Chief Executive at DRWF, said: “DRWF was incredibly lucky to have had such a passionate and committed professional steering our vision, mission and values. His passing is a big loss for us all.
“But our commitment to the diabetes community remains unwavering. We will continue to forge ahead with Mike’s vision and dream of a cure, to imagine a day without diabetes. Our work stays focused on keeping people with diabetes well until a cure is found.”
Mike dedicated his life to raising vital funds to support the international diabetes community. In his memory, we are asking and encouraging you to make a gift today.
Your support is vital to all our charitable activities. Your support makes a difference!
You can make a single gift on our website or set up a longer-term gift via direct debit, which is a more cost-effective and efficient way of showing your ongoing support of our work. Alternatively, you can send a cheque to DRWF, Building 1000 Langstone Park, Havant PO9 1SA. Please let us know that this gift is in memory of Mike.
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