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. These JDRF Children’s Congress delegates are ages 4-17 and represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

This year, Children’s Congress will take place July 13-15 and we are proud that two very deserving kids have been selected to represent Georgia! Bobby Klumok, age 9, and Mary Morgan Collier, age 13, from Georgia’s 5th and 9th congressional districts respectfully, will have 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. By sharing their own experiences, they will speak on behalf of the millions of people living with T1D and the families and friends who love them.

Here are excerpts from their letters to their congressmen.

               “Dear Congressman Lewis,

               My name is Bobby Klumok and I am 8 years old. I have had type 1 diabetes since I was 2.
               March will mark 7 years of my battle against this disease.

               Your support of the Special Diabetes Funding means so much to my family and me. There
               are no vacations from diabetes. I wear an insulin pod everyday and night. I prick my
               fingers 10-15 times a day….even more when I play sports or when I am sick. It is a lot
               for an 8 year old to keep up with.”

               Bobby Klumok

               “Dear Representative Collins,

               I’m learning that when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade…sugar-free
               lemonade, that is!

               I was diagnosed over four years ago with type 1 diabetes. I don’t remember much about
               my first two days in the Pediatric ICU because I slipped into a coma. But when I woke
               up I learned that I would have to have shots and finger sticks every day for the rest
               of my life. Since I was only 8-years-old, that was a lot for me to take. From the
               beginning, I have felt like I have a choice. I can choose to stay strong and fight my
               diabetes, or I can give up and let diabetes take over my life. Can you guess what I
               chose? That’s right…I’m in it to WIN it…

               Diabetes is a difficult disease, but there is hope for the future with JDRF. We need
               your support, too. Think of it this way…with your help, one day, I’m going to be able
               to say,’I USED to be Diabetic…”

               Mary Morgan Collier

Since the first Children’s Congress in 1999, more than 1,000 kids with T1D, like Bobby and Mary Morgan, have served as delegates. JDRF Children’s Congress has been essential to securing continued government funding of T1D research and to raise awareness of the daily challenges Americans living with this serious autoimmune disease face.

Congratulations to Bobby and Mary Morgan!