The annual Diabetes Research Forum for the Central West Ontario Regional Leadership Centre of the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) was held here recently.
Guest speaker Grant Maltman celebrates the discovery of insulin and its legacy everyday as curator of the Banting Museum in London. For centuries, recorded historical discoveries describe diabetes symptoms similar to today – thirst, frequent urination and fatigue.
In the wee hours of the morning in October 1920, Sir Frederick Banting awoke with a brilliant idea full of promise. Within 10 months, his experiments proved that insulin could provide a life-saving remedy. Hope for a cure replaced a bleak life expectancy. A case study showed how a six-year old-doubled his weight of 27 pounds within a year due to insulin therapy.
Letters of gratitude appear at the museum to this day. Researchers confidently pursue ideas to find a cure and spark another breakthrough.
Insulin will remain Banting’s legacy. Reliance on insulin will remain necessary until the elusive cure is discovered. Good diabetes management is still the best strategy for living well with diabetes.
Public programs and services coordinator Heidi Fraser showed a montage of volunteers in their various jobs throughout the region stating, “This is a night of hope to celebrate and recognize volunteers with regional awards. We couldn’t do it without you.”
Funding coordinator Nicole Holder along with North Perth – North Wellington branch volunteer Alice Van Ankum presented volunteers with certificates of appreciation and flowers for canvassing and helping to raise over $70,000 in 2014. Recognized were: Darlene Coulter, Nancy Dietrich, Debbie Goring, John Hoogkamp, Teunie Laros, Louise Marshall, Audrey Miller, Bonnie Mitchell, Arend Steenbeck, Jimmy Walker and George Van Ankum. The Volunteer of the Year award went to Jackie McDonald; Inspiration Award to the Markle Family; Young Volunteer Award to Abraham Lin; Outstanding Partnership Awards – Fergus Lions Club, and Waterloo Wellington Diabetes; Outstanding Health Professional – Yvonne Dametto, RN, CPT, CDE; Outstanding Corporate Awards – The Westhill by Sifton and Sifton Family Foundation, and the University of Waterloo Co-Op Education and Career Action team Jenn Basler and Kerry Lazenby.
Volunteers of the North Perth – North Wellington Branch of the CDA can be reached at 519-338-3181 or npnw@diabetes.ca or 94B Elora St. S. in Harriston on Tuesday and Friday from 1:30 to 4:30pm for information, literature, lending library, cookbooks, and conversation.
