Brennen Plaza on Main Street, in front of Coffee Tree and radio station Q93.3, was a hub of activity on Wednesday morning, Sept. 21 as community members fundraised for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by going on stationary bikes for eight minutes.
“Ride Stationary. Help Move Research Forward,” was the theme, as approximately 30 people raised about $2,080.50 for research.
“All funds will go towards advancing research in the areas of preventing, treating and curing Type 1 Diabetes,” said Melissa Zimmermann, fundraising and development coordinator for JDRF Central Alberta.
According to Zimmermann, researchers are currently in the human trial stages of a JDRF-funded project at the University of Alberta’s Edmonton campus.
“This project implants the ViaCyte encapsulation device, which contains healthy insulin-producing cells, under the skin of a patient (out-patient procedure). The device then excretes insulin when required and protects against future auto-immune attacks.”
Zimmermann said that when successful, this device can remain in the patient for up to 24 months.
“The project is showing great success so far and JDRF is very excited to be a part of such a revolutionary step in diabetes research,” added Zimmermann.
JDRF hosts multiple fundraising events throughout the year, both on small and large scale, including TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes, JDRF Revolution: Ride to Defeat Diabetes and galas across the country.
“We also host golf tournaments, Meet-a-Machine events, and many, many more third-party events,” Zimmermann said. “JDRF also has an extensive community engagement program that includes mentorship, youth ambassador, youth group activities and parent support groups and more.”
Zimmermann said that the Stettler community has shown great support for all the fundraisers.
“Thank you once again to the community of Stettler for coming together to help support this important cause,” added Zimmermann. “A special thanks to the Stettler Ride Committee for organizing this event. Together, we will turn Type One into Type None.”