DRIFCan
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We fund cure-based diabetes research by Dr. James Shapiro and the team at the University of Alberta.
Today we are taking time to reflect on the painful history of residential schools, to honour the survivors who carry the pain with them every single day, and to remember the children who never returned home. 🧡
We also acknowledge how the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing burden of colonization continues to impact Indigenous peoples’ health. Stats from Diabetes Canada remind us that First Nations, Métis and Inuit adults experience diabetes at higher rates than the rest of the Canadian population. As an organization working toward a cure, we hold that truth close to our heart—today and everyday—and it strengthens our resolve to make sure that cure is accessible to everyone.
09/24/2026
This is what momentum looks like! 🔬
DRIFCan was part of the YEG Spotlight panel at Life Sciences Week yesterday — a room full of people who believe a cure for diabetes is within reach and are working hard to make it happen.
Our Executive Director Mel Hibbard joined Dr. Jodi Abbott of the University Hospital Foundation, Dr. Christian Schuetz of the University of Alberta, and moderator Gail Stepanik-Keber to discuss what it takes to turn promising lab discoveries into real-world, life-changing impact, and how working together can accelerate progress toward a cure. We're so proud to be part of this amazing community! 💙
09/21/2026
Joining our partners University Hospital Foundation to talk all things diabetes research and innovative strategies for funding.
Join us tomorrow by registering in the link below.
A cure for diabetes will take more than scientific breakthroughs. It will take bold ideas, strategic investment and collaboration.
Join Dr. Jodi Abbott, President & CEO University Hospital Foundation, Melanie Hibbard, Executive Director DRIFCan, and Dr. Christian Shuetz Senior Research Associate at the University of Alberta, for a Life Sciences Week panel hosted by the University Hospital Foundation. Together, they’ll explore how philanthropy, research, industry and investment can work together to accelerate the future of diabetes care and bring promising discoveries closer to patients.
Edmonton has a history of changing the future of diabetes care. What's next?
📅 Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.
📍 Edmonton Unlimited
Link to register: https://buff.ly/Sis5wZx
08/13/2026
Proud to be a sponsor of the Kids N Us golf tournament which helps fund the Kid N Us Conference supporting families with type 1
*need some sun*
Kidsnus.ca
Our website has a fresh new look and we’ve added something we’re really excited about — a link to the Shapiro Lab website under our About section, where you can meet the incredible lab team members working toward a cure for diabetes. Go take a look at drifcan.com
07/30/2026
This is what the next generation in the fight for a cure looks like! Diagnosed at age 6 and now fundraising at 13, Dylan Shaw got to meet Dr. Shapiro in 2025 at the Humboldt & Area Team T1D community walk, and recently raised $360 for DRIFCan through his 4-H Club in St. Brieux, Saskatchewan. Thanks so much for the support, Dylan! ☘️
104 years ago, on July 27, 1921, Dr. Frederick Banting and medical student Charles Best successfully isolated insulin for the first time.
26 years ago, the Edmonton Protocol was pioneered right here in Edmonton. It was a breakthrough that helped patients with severe, hard-to-manage diabetes dramatically reduce or eliminate their need for insulin.
Today, Dr. Shapiro and the team at the Alberta Diabetes Institute continue to carry the work forward with the next phase of ground-breaking diabetes research — taking a patient's own blood cells and transforming them into insulin-producing cells.
We've come a long way since 1921. Help us get over the finish line to a cure. 🧬🔬
06/21/2026
Some dads know sports stats. T1D dads know the exact carb count of a juice box without needing to check the label. Happy Father's Day to every dad who's mastered a skill set he never planned on needing. We think the best gift would be a future where you can focus on sports, not sugars. Dr. Shapiro's team is working hard on a cure, and we’re going to get there!
06/19/2026
Check out this mini documentary about the T1D 4x4x48 Ultramarathon in Humboldt!
🎥 🏃🏻🏃🏻♀️🏃♂️🏃🏻♀️🏃♂️🏃🏻
Humboldt T1D Ultramarathon - SaskTel maxTV Local on Demand The Humboldt Ultramarathon is an inspiring community event where pa...
06/07/2026
And that’s wrap…ended the Humboldt & Area Team T1D weekend with the Annual Diabetes Community Walk.
Thank you to the Cosmopolitans from Saskatchewan and Alberta who came out and gave their time over the whole weekend and to the Humboldt community for welcoming us and their continued support to DRIFCan and Dr Shapiros research!
Drum roll……$84,379.20 was raised over the weekend for DRIFCan! 💙
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