Shirley Fredson

Shirley Fredson Upholds Her Hope for a Cure with a Gift

After raising two beautiful daughters and a son, Shirley Fredson and her late husband, Sheldon Salter, had looked forward to enjoying retirement together and watching their grandchildren grow. A diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes late in Sheldon’s life, followed quickly by many complications, cut much too short the dreams the two of them shared. He passed away at the age of 61. Although Shirley later remarried, she was determined to help find a cure for diabetes so that other families would not have to suffer the same fate.

Shirley, who splits her time between Illinois and Florida, is actively involved in many activities and organizations including Hadassah, Jewish Federation, and Brandeis. She had read about the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute and decided to take advantage of the IRA rollover legislation and make a contribution from her IRA account.

Even before Sheldon was diagnosed, the couple was very familiar with the disease since many of his family members were afflicted with it. Their own daughter dealt with gestational diabetes during her third pregnancy. Knowing that the disease often runs in families, Shirley holds on to hope for a cure so that her children and future generations can live their lives without fear of diabetes.

Shirley follows the progress being made by the DRI scientists and appreciates the technological advances that have been made in managing diabetes as well. She recalls her husband assisting his father as he boiled large needles used to inject insulin. She understands how far research has come but also knows how important her continued support means.

“This was an easy way of utilizing the funds I’m required to withdraw from my IRA while supporting a cause that’s important to me,” she explained. By designating the contribution directly from her IRA, Shirley avoids paying taxes on the required IRA withdrawal.

The IRA rollover provision allowing for this tax-free incentive was included as part of the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008. If you are at least 70.5 years of age and have an IRA, you can make a tax-free gift of up to $100,000 per year to the DRIF until the end of 2009. If you want to take advantage of the law for 2008, you must act before December 31. Since everyone’s circumstances are different, it is important to check with your advisors about the best way to take advantage of this giving opportunity.

Click here for more information on creating a legacy by providing for the DRI Foundation through your retirement account.

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