Day 2: The President and the White House
This morning, the delegates had the opportunity of a lifetime to visit the White House and meet with President Barack Obama. While standing on the portico steps on the South Lawn, the delegates were surprised with VIP visits from Mary Tyler Moore, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Nick Jonas!
Before the President arrived, these superstars interacted with the delegates, shaking hands and signing autographs. Children's Congress Chair Cynthia Ford made opening remarks and passed over the floor to President Obama. President Obama encouraged the kids to "keep up the great work" and posed for a photo with all 152 delegates and the role models.
The President stood in the middle of the group and then sat down with them for a photo. Frantically running around the front of the crowd searching for his mom to check his blood sugar, delegate Jack Kelly of Texas, age 4, was called over and comforted by President Obama, who sat Jack on his lap for another photo (quite the experience for a 4 year old who one day wants to become the president himself).
As the kids came out of the White House, delegate Clara of Tennessee showed off her hot pink cast freshly signed by Nick Jonas. The delegates' excitement was evident as they put personal faces on type 1 diabetes for the president.
Chandler
Tuesday, June 23, 12:00
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Comments (2)
I am so happy to see the White House give these kids the recognition they deserve. My daughter was a delegate in 2007 and we never saw anyone connected with the Executive branch give this effort any sort of help. These kids are so courageous and they fight battles everyday. With all this help, I am convinced that someday we will win the war. A big, big thanks to all of the stars who lend their considerable talents to this effort. You are heroes to these kids and we, as parents, appreciate this more than you know. A lot of people don't talk about this disease because they are afraid that they won't get the job, or health care and that needs to change. A huge thank you to the people at JDRF who work tirelessly for a cure. I love working with our branch in Washington...if you see this, you are the best.
Thanks, Marci and Kaitlin Webb
Posted by Marci L Webb | June 24, 2009 2:31 PM
What a great post! I'm so tickled that the type 1 kids met President Obama, + the Nick Jonas, et al. I'm jealous of the presidential meeting;>) Kids truly put a face on type 1 for the prez...love it.
Posted by Lyra H | June 23, 2009 6:29 PM