Meet our 2023 Children’s Congress Delegates!
Children’s Congress Delegates
Blythe loves writing poems and stories—one of her poems was even published in a national student poetry collection! She also likes playing video games and Dungeons and Dragons with her friends. Blythe would like to work as a veterinarian at the Kansas State University emergency veterinary hospital when she grows up.
Blythe and her sister have raised funds and awareness about T1D through lemonade stands and Halloween handouts. They do this not only for Blythe but for their mom, who also has T1D. Blythe is a JDRF Youth Ambassador and has spoken at several events about what it’s like to live with T1D. “I have a whole mountain of hope that someday there will be a cure!”
Eve LeeAnn is a very outgoing five year old and loves to entertain—singing, dancing, and wearing costumes. With the help of her mom, Eve LeeAnn makes videos and shares on social media to spread awareness about T1D. One day she hopes to have her own video blog to teach other African American kids and adults that living well with T1D is possible.
Eve LeeAnn’s mom also has T1D and is helping her learn the importance of speaking up and speaking out about life with the disease, especially when it comes to her T1D devices. “I want to share all of the new technology and things to come with people who don’t have adequate access to the information or resources.”
Izzy has always had one goal: to not let T1D stand in her way or prevent her from accomplishing anything, and she achieves that goal every single day! She is active at school as a member of Spanish club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Literary Club, and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, and participates in the cheer and dance teams at school.
Izzy believes, “we are closer than ever to a cure” and is incredibly active when it comes to raising T1D awareness, and helping to raise money to fund research. She has been an active One Walk participant, and during the summer she performs in a show that raises money for JDRF. In all, she has raised over $100,000 for JDRF! Izzy sees T1D as an opportunity to help others and make them feel supported, which is exactly why she plans to pursue a career in medicine.
One week after her T1D diagnosis, Kate raised more than $14,000 for JDRF. Since then, she has served as a JDRF Youth Ambassador and spoken at conferences, luncheons, and more about what it’s like having T1D. Even though having T1D can be hard sometimes, Kate looks on the bright side: it has helped her meet new people in her community, including another girl with T1D who became a good friend. “It’s great to have someone else who understands my experience and knows what it is like to have T1D.”
Kate likes playing the piano and volleyball. Her favorite subject in school is social studies because she gets to learn about the history of the United States. She also loves art class, especially sculpting and drawing, and won the “Young Artist of the Year” award at her school in 2021! When she’s an adult, Kate sees herself becoming an architect.
Madi and her mom created a support group in their community for families of children with T1D. They’ve also done presentations at Madi’s school to promote awareness. “It helps us connect to others and give them someone to relate to and support.” Making these connections helps Madi stay hopeful for the future. She likes meeting new people and is looking forward to being a Delegate to have her voice heard. “I want to provide a brighter future for the present and future children affected by T1D.”
Madi plays guitar and she sings, draws, paints, and sews. When she’s older, Madi would like to study biomedical science or biomedical engineering… and find a way to reduce plastic waste in diabetes supplies!
Want to learn more about Children’s Congress? Please visit cc.jdrf.org.