The Generosity Behind Breakthrough Research
On June 7, 2016, the Alberta Diabetes Foundation had an opportunity to celebrate the family behind the 2015 Degner Matching Fund. It was late September at the annual Hummingbird Gala, the Degner family led by Ted and Iona Degner, former partner of Waiward Steel, announced a matching fund of $300,000. Over $80,000 was raised moments later and as 2015 came to a close, the fund was matched by hundreds of supportive Albertans.
This generous gift inspired a lovely spring reception at the University of Alberta with the Degner family and special donors of the matching fund. Dr. Peter Light, Director of the Alberta Diabetes Institute provided a remarkable presentation of research investments and highlights of success from previous years. The guests learned about the rich history of diabetes research here in Edmonton and the global impact it has on this devastating disease, as well as some exciting new advanced and technologies building on the world famous Edmonton Protocol.
“We are truly grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate the Degner’s,” said Brad Fournier, Executive Director of the Alberta Diabetes Foundation. “They been supporting diabetes research for nearly 3 decades and the Degner family has been one of a few rocks from which our foundation was built on.
It is because of people like Ted and Iona Degner that Edmonton continues to lead the charge in breakthrough diabetes research. These contributions have supported program funding in support of Islet Core, new faculty positions, innovative research initiatives, and much needed funds for equipment and graduate students.
