Carson

La Porte, TX
Student at the Baker 6th Grade Campus
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: I loved everything about Children’s Congress, from sightseeing with fellow Delegates, to meeting T1D role models like Ryan Reed and Victor Garber, and especially talking to my congressman and senators.
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Do all the things! Don’t be nervous to introduce yourself and connect with others.

Arianna

Randolph, NJ
Student at Stevens Institute of Technology
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: This was the first time I was surrounded by so many others with T1D, and it was funny hearing all the pumps and sensors beeping. It was really interesting to hear their stories and exchange tips and tricks on diabetes management.
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Enjoy the experience. By just being there and spreading the message about the need for funding, you are making a huge difference.

Sophie

Spokane, WA
Student at the University of Portland
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: Getting to connect with the other Delegates from my state. In fact, I am still in contact with some of them!
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Know that you were selected to be a Delegate for a reason! Have confidence in yourself and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Theo

North Liberty, IA
Student in the Iowa City Community School District
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: Meeting other kids with diabetes and running around the hotel and playing with new friends.
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Travel to DC one day prior to the beginning of Children’s Congress activities and consider meeting up with your fellow state Delegates before your trip to get to know each other.

Grace

El Dorado Hills, CA
Student at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: I felt so supported and comforted to meet other people with T1D. The experience taught me that I have the power for change and gave me confidence.
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: When talking to your representatives, don’t be nervous! Try to have personal stories to get them engaged and be yourself!

Catherine

Wilmington, NC
Student at New Hanover High School
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: Being able to connect with and hear from so many people with T1D and being able to relate to their stories.  Also, getting to meet the T1D celebrities!
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Do not be afraid to speak out and tell your story of living with T1D.  Everyone will be encouraged the more they share and hear from others as they navigate living with T1D.

Saige

Haddam, CT
Student at Haddam Killingworth High School
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: I loved the opportunity to meet with my elected officials and make a difference for me and my friends living with T1D.
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Take advantage of every moment to bond with other Delegates. This is a unique time to be surrounded by others that are just like you.

Julian

Lexington, SC
Student at Midlands Technical College
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: I enjoyed the research and meeting the late John Lewis. I loved being an advocate for my health.
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Make sure you do interviews in your local community. Doing that helped my nervousness.

Anya

Bend, OR
Student at Oregon State University Cascades
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: The feeling of solidarity with other families. To be in a room where everyone “gets it” was very emotional and powerful
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: It’s humid! Understand what it means to dress for humidity. Also, if you are able, stay a few extra days to see the sights!

Hannah

Lake Wylie, SC
Student at Clemson University
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: I made so many connections with people that I’m still friends with! It was also amazing to have the chance to share my T1D story in front of so many people that have the power to make a difference in my life!
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Have so much fun with every TV interview, speaking opportunity, and friendship you will make in DC!

Claire

Moscow, ID
Student at the University of Idaho
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: Meeting people with type 1 diabetes that were involved in so many different things. Speaking to them inspired me to never let diabetes get in my way.
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Share your story about what it’s like to have type 1 diabetes. You live it every day—it is YOUR story to share, and you have a right to it.

Samantha

St. Petersburg, FL
Student at Boca Ciega High School
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: Having the opportunity to speak with and shake hands with the men and women who made pivotal decisions about our funding and ran our nation because it made me feel like I was making a true difference in the lives of millions of people.
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Remember your voice is so important to all of us. Together we are unstoppable!

Nadia

Lewisville, TX
Student at Coppell Classical Academy
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: Meeting so many other kids with T1D from around the country and getting to go to Capitol Hill to talk to the senators.
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Make sure you get enough rest every night that you’re there. Bring good shoes for walking and something to write down gamer tags and contact information for all the new friends you will make.

Rachel

Flagstaff, AZ
Student at Northern Arizona University
Favorite memory from JDRF Children’s Congress: Meeting other people with T1D made me feel so welcomed.
Words of advice to 2023 Delegates: Take advantage of everything that the program offers. The Congress members want to hear your personal experiences so don’t feel nervous—there will be plenty to talk about.

 

JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress takes place July 9-11, in Washington, D.C.