Jennifer Stepaniak: Let's give 'em something to talk about

Awareness of my diabetes is what boosts the success for finding a cure for me.  One of the biggest activities that helps educate my friends is the Walk for Diabetes.  This year I had over 50 kids from my school on my walk team and we all wore our bright orange walk shirts to school which got people talking.  Being out in the open with my diabetes is what helps educate people and I love when people ask questions. 

After the walk this year 20 more people told me they wanted to be on my walk team for next year.  Now the big topic for my friends and family is about me being on Children's Congress.  It gives me another topic to talk about and I've been educating my friends and family on what I'm going to do and some have asked how they can get involved and help. 

Once Congress is done I'm going to be that much more knowledgeable and I plan to keep answering questions and putting myself out in the open to advocate and get support.  Last month I had a round table discussion with Kagen and another diabetic.  Telling my story and reminding legislators what we go through everday and simply telling them my life story is what seems to be continually getting their support.