Lorynn Watt, 17 of Stroudsburg, PA has been chosen by JDRF, the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, to join a delegation of children and celebrity advocates in Washington, D.C. this summer at JDRF 2017 Children’s Congress from July 24-26. The Delegates will be lobbying their Members of Congress to remind them of the vital need to continue supporting T1D research that could reduce the burden of this disease and ultimately find a cure.

These children—ages 4 to 17, and representing all 50 states—will participate in a number of activities on the Hill, including a Congressional Committee hearing to share personal testimonies that highlight the daily struggles of living with T1D and the need for continued funding for research projects such as the Special Diabetes Program (SDP).

Hi! My name is Lorynn Watt. I’m seventeen years old and from Stroudsburg. I’m going to be a senior in the fall, as well as celebrating having had diabetes for eight years. I was diagnosed when I was nine after a routine physical. It’s made my life much more challenging but I’m also almost grateful for having diabetes. It’s taught me so much about living and taking things for granted.

I’ve got a pretty great support system, like my best friend, Devon. She’s learned as much as she can about diabetes so she can always be there for me. My school is a major source of support for me. It’s an itty bitty school in Cresco called Evergreen Community Charter School. It truly is a community. In 2016, my math teacher (who’s a trained hairstylist), a few other staff members, and myself arranged a cut-a-thon. After school, kids stayed back and payed to have their hair cut and styled and all of the proceeds went towards my JDRF Team. We raised about $400 and I’m pretty proud of that.

I’ve been working with the JDRF for about five years now. I’ve gone to four walks now with my team, Team Lola, volunteered at the local JDRF Gala twice, and have gone to Congress Day twice. I am very proud of all the work the JDRF does and enjoy participating in this foundation.. Besides working with the JDRF, I love to read and write. I’m directing my school’s play this year, as well as being vice president of the Prom Committee and Alpha Helpers (my school’s community service club) and being captain of the Reading Competition.

I’m very excited to represent our local chapter this summer in D.C. and hopefully make an impact on congress! Thank you!