HEADing to 2022, a grass roots initiative with a passion to raise funds for Canadian researchers, has joined forces with (and is a committee of) the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Canada, Inc. (DRIFCan) and other partners. Their ultimate goal? Cure diabetes by 2022, one $22 donation at a time.
November 14 is World Diabetes Day; celebrate by supporting HEADing to 2022. The date is no coincidence. It’s Dr. Banting’s birthday.
Dr. Banting is one of four doctors that discovered insulin, and he was instrumental in helping this discovery save lives. Prior to the 1922, diabetics survived an average of just three years after developing the disease. Since the first successful human trial in 1922, we now have cell transplant technology, injections, and insulin pumps, but not a cure. The treatments have come a long way and a cure is possible. What is needed are funds to make it happen – and therein lies the challenge.
Doug Ritzen, Chair of the HEADing to 2022 Committee, explains, “The main challenge is that there are so many needs out there. People are bombarded daily with stories of desperate situations that each cry out for a solution – and each of those solutions takes money. Some of the problems have been ongoing for years (diseases such as cancer and diabetes), others are more recent (opioid crisis), and then of course, in a category of its own, is the COVID-19 pandemic. Charities and governments do their best to address the needs but throwing a little bit of money at a lot of needs is probably not going to resolve any of them.”
He feels that a concentrated effort will put a cure within reach.
“We anticipated that in these challenging times, with all of the needs out there and with people struggling to deal with the COVID-19 situation, it would be difficult to get our message out,” admits Ritzen, “But we have been heartened by the response we have had so far. We are not asking for large donations. Our goal is to have 1 million people each donate $22. That support will go a long way to helping researchers eradicate diabetes and finally address one of the many needs out there.”
In a recent interview with Carrie Doll, Dr. James Shapiro of the University of Alberta expressed confidence that a cure for diabetes is within reach but emphasized that funds are needed to make it a reality.
It is an ambitious goal but one that HEADing to 2022 is confident can be met. Right now, Dr. James Shapiro and a team of researchers, collaborating with others in Canada and around the world, believe they have a cure in their lab. The money raised through this campaign can bring that cure to fruition. Imagine – a world where diabetes can be cured. A world where diabetes doesn’t shorten lifespans or contribute to circulatory complications, strokes, and amputations. This can be a reality… with your help.If 1 million Canadians donated $22 each, HEADing to 2022 feels this is enough to produce the cure. As a well-run, transparent, and registered non-profit, 95 per cent of funds raised go directly to the cause. Five per cent supports professional and volunteer administration.
In the past, Giving Tuesday, World Diabetes Day, and spontaneous viral movements like the Ice Bucket Challenge, have made impressive strides in disease research. On November 14 – and beyond – for about the price of a movie and popcorn, you can be part of a much-needed cure. Join in today and make a difference. Help keep loved ones together and improve the quality of life for diabetics and their families. Donate $22. Your simple action has a massive ripple effect that will last a lifetime.
Click here to donate now and stay informed on the campaign’s progress on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
