Phillies rookie pitcher Happ donates $20K to Diabetes Research Institute

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. Philadelphia Phillies' rookie pitcher J.A. Happ will be donating prize money he received as this year's Players Choice National League Outstanding Rookie to a world leader in cure-focused diabetes research.

Happ will donate his $20,000 prize to the Diabetes Research Institute, which has signficantly contributed to the field of diabetes research for over three decades. Currently, DRI said it is focusing on "bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies to restore insulin production."

"I have a sister who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in her mid-twenties," said Happ. "My family and I are hoping to see a cure in her lifetime, and I know that the Diabetes Research Institute is completely cure-focused."

Happ plans to soon tour the Diabetes Research Institute after the World Series ends, DRI said.