Voices raised for T1D research

JDRF 2019 Children’s Congress will take place from July 8-10, 2019, in Washington, D.C.

Every two years, more than 160 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. The children, ages 4 to 17, represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The delegates in JDRF’s Children’s Congress enjoy 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. They speak up on behalf of the millions of people living with T1D and the families and friends who love them.

Children making history

The JDRF Children’s Congress T1D advocacy program was inspired by a boy from Massachusetts named Tommy Solo. One day, at age nine, he asked his mother, “Why can’t kids go to Washington and tell their Representatives about what it is like to have type 1 diabetes and let them know that we want scientists to find a cure?” His mom and other JDRF volunteers agreed and, in 1999, the first-ever JDRF Children’s Congress took place in Washington, D.C.

Since then, nine successful Children’s Congresses have been held, one every other year, and more than 1,000 kids with T1D 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 burden of Americans living with this serious autoimmune disease.

Delegates form lifelong friendships, meet T1D role models, develop leadership skills, and leave Children’s Congress empowered to use their voices for the change that will improve their lives and the lives of all people affected by T1D.

Meet our 2019 Children’s Congress Delegates:

Brandon

Age: 13
Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Brandon is a talented musician, playing drums and guitar. He loves music of all kinds and looks forward to practicing every day after school. When he grows up, Brandon would like to be either a musician or a doctor that helps find the cure for T1D. Until he’s able to become a researcher, Brandon goes above and beyond to help the T1D community through fundraising for research, raising awareness and mentoring other T1D children in his community. He especially is proud of his JDRF One Walk team that has raised more than $82,000 for JDRF. Brandon says, “the Walk made me realize that there are so many people that have T1D and that I don’t need to be embarrassed.”

 

 

Brody    

Age: 17
Age at T1D diagnosis: 15

Brody is no stranger to giving back to those around him, in fact, he wants to make it his career one day by working in emergency medicine. In addition to his interest in science, computers and mathematics, Brody is incredibly passionate about volunteering and helping others, particularly his fellow members of the T1D community. “I have made sure to personally reach out to those who are experiencing trouble or difficulty with T1D. I try to share my experiences with T1D, and any tips or tricks I might be able to offer.” Brody can’t wait to bring his passion for advocacy to D.C.

 

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Amanda Mounts
210-822-5336
amounts@jdrf.org