Welcome to the first ever JDRF Children's Congress blog. I am honored to be the 2007 Children's Congress Chairmom and my daughter, Holland, is also honored to serve as Chairkid. We are excited about the Children's Congress blog and hope you will enjoy getting to know all those who participate as well as learn more about the JDRF Children's Congress itself.
This blog will give delegates, friends, family members, and even those who know very little about diabetes, the opportunity to understand the event from various points of view and experience it virtually. We will cover topics including what life with diabetes is like and what a cure will mean, preparing for the event and meeting with our legislators, and then get feedback after the event once everyone has headed home. We are very fortunate to have a wide variety of individuals "blogging" with us to provide you with a full picture of the event. Participants will include delegates from different states, legislators, and members of the JDRF leadership. Our goal and our hope is that readers will gain a better understanding of what attending Children's Congress is like and why finding a cure for type 1 diabetes is so critical.
As I sit here in the comforts of my own home and reflect back on Children's Congress 2007, only positive memories come to mind. As Mr. John Brady, a member of the JDRF International Board of Directors, said, I really feel like I received more than I gave. CC 2007 has been an amazing experience that has benefited me in more ways than one. I guess I am now a "certified" blogger; I have made new relationships with people I never thought I would, and I have re-built relationships that I know will last forever. Children's Congress was a success on a personal level for me, but it also helped us get closer and closer to our goal; a cure for type 1 diabetes.
During a Town Hall meeting at JDRF Children's Congress, Dr. Aaron Kowalski addresses question from a delegate on development of the artificial pancreas.
As the end of the 2007 JDRF Children’s Congress rapidly approaches, the delegates and their families were given the opportunity to attend a hearing with members of Congress who are part of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The chair of the committee, Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, graciously turned over the gavel to Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who chaired the meeting. Senators Daniel Akaka (HI), Jon Tester (MT), Carl Levin (MI) and Committee Chairman Leiberman participated in the hearing and welcomed the delegates from their states. During the hearing, Panel 1 consisted of NBA star Adam Morrison, JDRF International Chair and actress Mary Tyler Moore, and Director of the NIDDK Dr. Griffin Rogers. Panel 2 consisted of CC 2007 delegates Caroline McEnery, Caitlin Crawford, Tre Hawkins (from my hometown of Detroit), and Mrs. Ann Strader speaking on behalf of her sons Abe and Curt Strader.
