The work of Children's Congress is critically important for those living with diabetes and for our nation as a whole. Diabetes research funding and prevention is a matter of concern for all individuals, not only because of the personal challenges those living with diabetes face but also because of the effects associated with the disease on our country's health care costs.
As Chair of the Children's Congress Senate hearings in 2001, 2003, and 2005, I have seen how delegates and their families, by telling their stories and putting a human face on type one diabetes, are making a difference for themselves and everyone with the disease. Since Children's Congress first began, we have tripled the amount of federal funding for diabetes research.
As JDRF's President and CEO since January of 2006, I am really looking forward to attending my first Children's Congress in Washington, D.C., this June. One of the main aspects of our JDRF team is the unique and powerful partnership between its staff and volunteers—kids and adults who live with type 1 diabetes every day. Children's Congress is the prime example of that partnership. Young people who know from experience the difficulties of life with diabetes are among the best advocates for a cure. And JDRF, with our highly focused mission and scientific expertise, is the best organization to provide a platform for their voices to be heard.