Diagnosed at age five, Addyson has faced her diabetes with grace and maturity, maintaining her enthusiasm for life. "I am not sure where she gets her toughness, but my wife, two sons, and I have found great inspiration from an innocent, beautiful little [seven]-year-old girl," says Addyson's father.

Diagnosed at age five, Addyson has faced her diabetes with grace and maturity, maintaining her enthusiasm for life. "I am not sure where she gets her toughness, but my wife, two sons, and I have found great inspiration from an innocent, beautiful little [seven]-year-old girl," says Addyson's father. Addyson's become a JDRF poster child in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and she enjoys soccer, basketball, cheerleading, and traveling with her family. She hopes to become a teacher and help others with diabetes. The Welch family has been actively involved with JDRF, helping to raise over $40,000 since Addyson's diagnosis. Addyson's father serves on the Board of their local chapter, and is thrilled that his little girl is a Children's Congress delegate. He says he hopes to "educate my daughter on government, and more than anything, instill in her the need to be involved and make a difference in the world."