I have definitely educated my friends so much about living with type 1. They have helped me in so many ways to get over my fears. I have also done the JDRF Walk the whole time that I have lived with this disease. It is so exciting walking with my friends because we all know that it is for a good cause. I love educating people about what I have to go through every day.
Awareness of my diabetes is what boosts the success for finding a cure for me. One of the biggest activities that helps educate my friends is the Walk for Diabetes. This year I had over 50 kids from my school on my walk team and we all wore our bright orange walk shirts to school which got people talking. Being out in the open with my diabetes is what helps educate people and I love when people ask questions.
I would like to thank the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for inviting me to contribute to their Children's Congress blog. Children's Congress is an important way to raise awareness among elected officials about the issues surrounding juvenile diabetes. This blog will be an excellent opportunity for those involved in Children's Congress and everyone in the diabetes community to share their experiences. We all know that when we come together, we are better able to face our everyday challenges.
I am truly looking forward to this year's Children’s Congress hearing as Chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The delegates' testimonies are a powerful reminder of the reality of life with diabetes and the urgent need for a cure. I have always been impressed with JDRF–from the organization's commitment to fundraising and the strong partnership it has forged with the federal government to the advocacy efforts of the volunteers and families–JDRF is in a class by itself.
It's funny, for such a little guy, Jack is his own walking, talking, type 1 educator. I guess at such a young age, not much is taboo. He doesn't hide his diabetes supplies and really seems to enjoy the attention he receives from all the other kids at school, the playground, and even in a market, when he tests his blood sugar or receives an injection. I suppose this may change as he reaches the teenage years, but right now he's open to talk to anyone about his disease, how he "got" it (who knows?), why he "got" it (no, not from eating too much sugar), when he will be cured (when Congress and the public provide the resources for some very smart people to invent a cure), and whether the shots hurt (not usually).
Recently I was in my local newspaper telling about my struggles with diabetes and what exactly I would be doing in Washington D.C. I will also be doing a follow up on the JDRF walk my team participated in on May 5th. I was really grateful and excited to let people know what I have to go through everyday. I am glad that I was chosen to get my voice heard.
Every year I am impressed by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Children's Congress in Washington, D.C. I know firsthand how diabetes impacts families and admire all of the delegates who have agreed to share their stories with Members of Congress.
I have received a lot of support and attention about my upcoming trip to D.C. In particular, my church has been really supportive. My Pastor is having a fundraiser for JDRF at his home before I leave. My family is well known in our county for raising awareness for diabetes. A lot of people ask me when I am leaving… Will I get to speak in the hearing…Will I get to meet the President… etc. They are all really excited for me. I was even in the newspaper a couple of months ago. The Forsyth County News did an article about my trip and that I was one of two selected to represent Georgia. It was on the front page!
I love speaking with JDRF children and families. Like many of my colleagues, I realized the importance of federal funding for diabetes research after meeting with young JDRF advocates from my state, and I was moved to get involved. I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Diabetes Caucus in the House, and I have worked closely with Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO-1) to lead the fight to expand federal funding for type 1 diabetes research, and particularly embryonic stem cell research.
Although Holland and I had been on several "Promise to Remember Me" visits to see our legislators when we lived in New York, we learned even more about the importance of such visits when Holland was a delegate to Children's Congress in 2005. Meeting with Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton as well as Representative Carolyn Maloney on the Hill gave us an entirely new perspective. We felt like we were participating in government, not just watching it happen. We were able to share Holland's story of her life with diabetes firsthand and why it is so important to us and to the millions of others that live with diabetes to find a cure.