Farewell Letter

Dear Delegates and Families:

With 156 delegates from all over the United States and 6 countries, a song performance on the Capitol Lawn, a Town Hall meeting with renowned athletes and scientists, a Senate hearing before the Government Affairs Committee and some 450 Hill visits, JDRF's 2007 Children's Congress exceeded my wildest expectations. The event drew to a close on June 20, 2007, and now that we've all had a chance to catch our breaths I want to thank you all again for your participation and efforts on so many levels. We blogged, we chatted online, we planned and prepared... and then we made an impact. We formed lifelong friendships and discussed with lawmakers why increased funding for type 1 diabetes research is so critical. We were inspired to do all we can to search for a cure and, from our hometowns all over America and the world, we will share our passion and continue our search.

Children's Congress was an opportunity to educate our legislators about our mission and the importance of supporting research for a cure for diabetes. Now we must stay motivated and focused and never give up. Millions of Americans dream of a day when that cure is found. Children's Congress made us confident that dream will one day be a reality-but it won't happen without our continued efforts.

The Promise to Remember Me Campaign launches on August 1, and I encourage you to recruit as many friends and family members as you can to join our cause. Stay in touch with your legislators throughout the year and let them know that you're counting on them to keep their promises.

Finally, use this website to relive your favorite Children's Congress moments and share them with others. We've received tons of news coverage around the country, and you can check out the clips in In the News. There are also great videos from celebrities and delegates in the blog section. And don't forget to upload your personal photos to our flickr group for all to enjoy!

My family and I were honored to serve as your Chair Family this year and we enjoyed meeting you all immensely. Until we meet again, know that we are fighting alongside you against this awful disease, and that your stories and courage have inspired us to persevere until we have our cure.

With sincerest gratitude,

Pam Edmonds
ChairMom