Meet your 2019 Rocky Mountain Chapter Children’s Congress Delegates
Every two years JDRF youth advocates living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) travel to our nation’s capital to meet with their congressional representatives. These young people ages 4-17 share what life is like with T1D and why research funding is so important. JDRF Children’s Congress is a powerful platform through which youth delegates from across the country use their voices and share their stories with top decision makers.
Children’s Congress delegates go through a rigorous application process for selection to attend this prestigious event. Of the nearly 1500 applications submitted every two years, only 160 applicants are chosen to attend. All 50 states and six international affiliates are represented. Delegates are joined by some of the strongest voices in the T1D community including JDRF scientists and T1D celebrities to make the greatest impact on Capitol Hill.
These delegates have a critical job: to represent the entire T1D community about issues that matter most to them. JDRF’s top legislative priority is the renewal of the Special Diabetes Program, (SDP) which contributes $150 million annually through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) specifically for T1D research. This funding will expire if it’s not renewed by September 30, 2019. Support this renewal effort by contacting your representative today and telling your story.
JDRF is very proud to send four passionate, talented young people from our region: three from Colorado and one from Wyoming.
Please join us in congratulating these incredible youth advocates and get to know them below.
Jacque, CO
Age: 11
Age at T1D diagnosis: 8
Jacque is a very busy and fun 11-year-old who is passionate about musical theater, plays piano and softball, and just started playing trombone this past year. Jacque is also very active with her local JDRF chapter, and has participated in JDRF One Walk events, Galas, TypeOneNation Summits and as a JDRF Youth Ambassador for the past three years. Jacque hopes to become either a world-class veterinarian or Broadway actress one day, and doesn’t plan on letting T1D stop her. “Type 1 diabetes is something I have, but it’s certainly not something that has me.”
Jaden, CO
Age: 12
Age at T1D diagnosis: 5
Jaden is proud of himself for a number of reasons – he and his baseball team won the Little League World Series in Colorado, and he was presented with the “Excellence in Fundraising” award by JDRF! He’s also a proud JDRF Youth Ambassador, has participated in JDRF One Walk, Gala and TypeOneNation Summits and has also served as an outreach volunteer. He enjoys riding his dirt bike and scooter, playing video games, and hanging out with his friends. Jaden has big dreams and he’s excited to come to D.C. to talk about what needs to be done to help him achieve those dreams. “I refuse to let this disease keep me from my dream of one day becoming a professional baseball player. Every step forward we make helps me take one step closer to achieving this dream.”
Sophie, CO
Age: 14
Age at T1D diagnosis: 2
Sophie is passionate about so many activities: competitive soccer; jazz band, pep band and honors wind symphony; National Junior Honors Society; and Society of Women Engineers. Sophie is also incredibly passionate about raising awareness about T1D by being involved with JDRF. She currently serves as the JDRF Rocky Mountain Youth Ambassador Vice President, and has participated in JDRF One Walk and Gala events. Sophie doesn’t let T1D stop her, and is determined to use her voice in D.C. to make sure progress in research continues. “Thanks to today’s technology, I can chase my dreams and passions. If research and technology continue to improve, then life with T1D could become just a memory.”
Holden, WY
Age: 14
Age at T1D diagnosis: 7
If you live in Wyoming and don’t know much about T1D, Holden is your go-to guy. He makes sure to set aside time in his busy schedule (that includes straight A’s at school, soccer, football and basketball) to educate people about T1D. Holden speaks to students and teachers at his school as well as the local Rotary Club. He is a member of the Willwood 4-H Club, and has shared educational posters and presentations on T1D for the last four years at both the state and local fairs. While living with T1D can sometimes be hard Holden says, “I do not let diabetes define me. Rather, I let it motivate me and I don’t feel limited by my diabetes. I think it has shaped me into the person I am today, and I have learned not to give up.” Holden is excited to bring his positive attitude and passion for T1D awareness the 2019 Children’s Congress.