The 2023 Children’s Congress Delegates representing the Mountain West Chapter are gearing up to head to Washington, D.C. this month to meet face-to-face with the top decision-makers in U.S. government. Between July 9 and 11, they’ll be joined by over 160 other children hoping to share their unique stories with members of Congress on behalf of the millions of Americans living with T1D and the family and friends who love them.

Chapter staff recently asked them, “What are you hoping to accomplish when you head off to Washington, D.C.?”

Here’s what they had to say:

Ella, 5, Colorado

“I want to meet other little girls with type 1 diabetes and I want to meet the president.”

Sabrina, 14, Colorado

“I want to spread the word about diabetes and help improve the lives of people living with diabetes. We can’t do that without legislative support, so I’m hoping I can garner the needed support by sharing my personal story with Congress.”

Gavin, 14, Colorado

“I hope to talk to our senators and representatives to accomplish lowering the price of insulin.  I hope to discuss with them that the price is too high for us and should be lowered because most people don’t know what we have to go through or how much all of our supplies cost. I also am excited to advocate for the SDP, so that we can find a cure. This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am so excited.”

Laila, 16, Utah

“I’m hoping to educate my legislators on what life is like for someone living with type 1 diabetes. I want them to understand the highs and lows of this disease, so they can become part of the solution to help us find a cure.”

Liviana, 10, Utah

“I’m really excited to help JDRF, first of all! Renewing the SDP will really help all diabetics. Who knows what technology they could discover? I’ve always wanted to make an impact on the world, and this will help so many people!”

Thomas, 17, Utah

“I hope to share what it has been like to grow up with type 1 diabetes and to make new friends who understand his same struggles of daily living. I am honored to represent the state of Utah and those who live with type 1 in our community.”

Gannon, 17, Wyoming

“My goal is to advocate for all who have type 1 and those who are not yet diagnosed and to increase awareness about the disease and the importance of research and finding a cure.”

To learn more about all of the Children’s Congress Delegates and what they’ve been up to, visit cc.jdrf.org.