Voices raised for T1D research

Every two years, more than 150 children living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) gather in Washington, D.C., to meet face-to-face with some of the top decision-makers in the U.S. government. The children, ages 4 to 17, represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The delegates in JDRF’s Children’s Congress enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help Members of Congress understand what life with T1D is like and why research to fund life-changing therapies until a cure can be found is so critical. They speak up on behalf of the millions of people living with T1D and the families and friends who love them. JDRF 2015 Children’s Congress will take place on July 13–15, 2015, in Washington, D.C. JDRF Bay Area is extremely proud of our 2015 delegates:

CHARLES
Hometown: Palo Alto, California
Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

When Charlie grows up, he wants to become a mechanical engineer and “work on solving the problems of our ever changing world.” He’s already tackling T1D. He has participated in two continuous glucose monitor studies, which he enjoyed “because I got to experience firsthand the cutting-edge technology that could one day make my life and the lives of many others with diabetes much easier and less stressful,” and he participates in JDRF Walks with his team, Charlie’s Champions. He is especially passionate about technology’s promise for T1D: “I believe that in the near future, I will be able to have full control with little to no input from me, so long as essential funding continues.” Charlie plays lacrosse, participates in his school’s robotics program, and teaches kids about electronics and coding.

DELILAH
Hometown: Ross, California
Age: 10
Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Delilah remembers the day she was diagnosed. “It was very scary,” she says, “it was a lot to learn.” Yet Delilah has turned those fears into a new hope for a cure. Today, she uses a CGM and also relies on her diabetes alert dog, Yalu. “I am grateful for all of the things that help me manage my diabetes. I realize that government funding has made these devices possible through millions of dollars of research.” Delilah gives back by attending JDRF events and fundraisers and speaking to her class each year about T1D. “When people ask me questions about my pump or my CGM,” she says, “I talk to them about type 1 diabetes.” Delilah loves sea lions and orcas and hopes to become a marine biologist when she grows up.

JOHN
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Age: 15
Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

An avid baseball player, John has played for as long as he can remember on school, little league, all-star and travel teams. “I have played most sports: baseball, basketball, soccer, football and golf,” he says, but “baseball is my favorite sport by far because I have played it my entire life and I am very passionate about it. I love the team atmosphere and how I get to make new friends,” he says. John is also batting a thousand when it comes to his T1D advocacy. He has attended every one of his local JDRF Walks since his diagnosis at age 7, and has recruited classmates and friends to participate, with himtoo. John has also educated a newly diagnosed boy from his school, and attends Bearskin Meadow Camp, a summer camp for kids with diabetes.

LOUISE
Hometown: Danville, California
Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Louise, who loves reading, writing, drawing and listening to music, has reached a number of impressive goals. “Accomplishments I’m especially proud of include being one of two girls chosen to attend a science and math camp called Tech Trek over the summer of my seventh grade year, giving the Fund A Cure speech for the JDRF Summer Classic, and living 15 years with type 1 diabetes,” reflects Louise. She is attending JDRF Children’s Congress not just to find support, but also to give it to other kids. “No one should ever feel like they have to do it all on their own, because that’s impossible,” she says. “No one can do this on their own. We all need a little help.” She hopes to work in either psychology or social work someday.