Children’s Congress 2013 Welcome Message from Mary Tyler Moore, JDRF International Chairman

Dear Delegates:

Welcome to the JDRF
2013 Children’s Congress.

As you may know, like you, I have type 1 diabetes and I know what it is like to deal with it every day. And, like you, I have long dreamed of a cure.

I have worked with JDRF for many years to make that dream a reality through the funding of the world’s finest research. As JDRF’s international chairman, I have learned that nothing is more important than speaking out sincerely and strongly about the things that you care deeply about. I have also learned that you should never doubt that just one person, with one idea, can make a difference.

All it took was a child from Boston, Tommy Solo. One day, at age nine, he turned to his mother and asked, “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?” One year later, Tommy joined 99 other children, from every state in the country, to do just that. The result
of Tommy’s idea was the first-ever JDRF Children’s Congress in 1999. What also resulted was the most national attention that has ever been paid to the children and adults who live with the daily burden of this disease!

I have read your letters and supporting materials that you contributed in your application to this year’s Children’s Congress. I was moved and inspired by what I found, both in the spirit of each of them, and in the desire to speak out—to let your voices be heard. I think of each of you as a hero for speaking out. You proudly represent children everywhere—from our 50 states and around the globe. Thank you for becoming partners with JDRF and joining me and everyone who is working so hard to ensure that one day we will have a world without type 1 diabetes.

Together, we will make a difference!

Mary Tyler Moore
International Chairman
Chair, JDRF 2013 Children’s Congress