I would like to thank the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for inviting me to contribute to their Children's Congress blog. Children's Congress is an important way to raise awareness among elected officials about the issues surrounding juvenile diabetes. This blog will be an excellent opportunity for those involved in Children's Congress and everyone in the diabetes community to share their experiences. We all know that when we come together, we are better able to face our everyday challenges.
I am truly looking forward to this year's Children’s Congress hearing as Chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The delegates' testimonies are a powerful reminder of the reality of life with diabetes and the urgent need for a cure. I have always been impressed with JDRF--from the organization's commitment to fundraising and the strong partnership it has forged with the federal government to the advocacy efforts of the volunteers and families--JDRF is in a class by itself.
Every year I am impressed by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Children's Congress in Washington, D.C. I know firsthand how diabetes impacts families and admire all of the delegates who have agreed to share their stories with Members of Congress.
I love speaking with JDRF children and families. Like many of my colleagues, I realized the importance of federal funding for diabetes research after meeting with young JDRF advocates from my state, and I was moved to get involved. I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Diabetes Caucus in the House, and I have worked closely with Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO-1) to lead the fight to expand federal funding for type 1 diabetes research, and particularly embryonic stem cell research.
The work of Children's Congress is critically important for those living with diabetes and for our nation as a whole. Diabetes research funding and prevention is a matter of concern for all individuals, not only because of the personal challenges those living with diabetes face but also because of the effects associated with the disease on our country's health care costs.
