We are so excited to announce the 7 delegates representing our chapter at this year’s Children’s Congress!

Meet Ethan (16) and Ari Mayblum (10), two brothers from New Rochelle with type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and a whole lot of spirit! Ari was diagnosed at the very young age of 13 months while Ethan was, coincidentally diagnosed after deciding to test his blood sugar after testing Ari in the car. His number was 400! They immediately turned the car around and went straight to the hospital. As travel soccer players, the Mayblum brothers don’t let diabetes hold them back. Their coaches and teammates are very supportive and know what to do if a high or low occurs. In addition, Ethan speaks about diabetes and educates his peers about the disease in his role as a youth advocacy leader. They are both passionate about changing the new healthcare regulations as well. “It frustrated me that people would make things harder for others for just a small financial gain,” said Ethan. Together and with the help of the 158 other delegates, they hope to remove diabetes as a preexisting condition and garner more funds for diabetes research. To learn more about Ethan, click here. To learn more about Ari, click here.

Meet Schuyler Sargent (14) from Greenwich, CT. Sargent was diagnosed at the age of six but doesn’t let type 1 diabetes stop her from playing tennis, soccer, squash, swimming, and playing with her beloved service dog. Schuyler also uses her love of baking to raise donations for JDRF with bake sales. Her OneWalk team, Schuyler’s Cupcakes, has raised over $500,000 for JDRF. Sargent with the help of the 159 other delegates, hopes to make changes in funding and treatment options. “I hope to get the Libre Pro approved {by the FDA},” said Sargent about the Continuous Glucose Monitor not yet available in the U.S. “I’m excited to meet people who have the same experiences,” she added. To learn more about Schuyler, click here.

Meet Bobby (16) and Isabelle Carpenter (15) of New Canaan, CT. The siblings and type 1 diabetics have been active members of the JDRF community since they were practically babies. Since starting their OneWalk team, Carpenter’s Crew, they have raised over $250,000 for JDRF. Isabelle also participates in JDRF’s Catwalk fashion fundraisers as a model. In their spare time, Bobby rows, Isabelle does track and dance, and they both are members of the Model U.N. Together and with the help of 158 other delegates, Bobby and Isabelle hope to raise funding for T1D research and advancements, as well as better healthcare. “We’re just kids trying to make a difference,” said Bobby. To learn more about Bobby, click here. To learn more about Isabelle, click here.

Meet Matthew Sherr (17) of Scarsdale, NY. Sherr was diagnosed at age six but his T1D diagnosis has inspired him to be very active in community service. Matt is the founder and president of his high school’s JDRF club! He also traveled to multiple countries in South East Asia last summer to provide clean water and aid to underprivileged communities. “I wouldn’t be as inspired if I hadn’t got diabetes.” said Sherr. He hopes to raise funding for T1D research and ensure better health care for diabetics and others with disabilities. “I feel lucky to be chosen to lobby for congress, hopefully we can make a difference,” he said. To learn more about Matthew, click here.

Meet Hannah Lewis (17) of Scarsdale, NY. Lewis was diagnosed at age six but doesn’t let T1D stop her from doing what she loves: performing! Hannah has used her talent to help JDRF on many occasions by singing the national anthem at fundraising events, including JDRF’s annual OneWalk, Yonkers. She with 159 other delegates from around the country will visit Washington D.C. this summer to lobby for more fundraising and better health care for diabetics. “I appreciate that being a good citizen requires us all to participate to make the world better,” she said. To learn more about Hannah, click here.