Andrew Calabreses will be tasked with reminding Congress that funding for diabetes research is crucial to ultimately finding a cure.
A 12-year-old from San Diego has been selected to go to Washington D.C. and teach the United States Congress about the challenges of living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Andrew Calabreses is one of 160 children, ages 4 to 17, that will travel to the nation's capital as part of the 2019 Children's Congress from July 8-10. He was selected by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
"Hundreds of millions of dollars for Type 1 Diabetes research is set to expire in September," said Sean McParland, executive director of JDRF. "We want to make sure Congress gives $200,000 to this research over the next five years."
McParland added researchers are now in a better place than ever to treat Type 1 Diabetes thanks to new technology.
"I am so excited to be a part of the JDRF 2019 Children's Congress delegation and to share my family's story with people who can make a huge impact on T1D research," said Calabrese.
Calabrese will be tasked with reminding Congress that funding for diabetes research is crucial to ultimately finding a cure.
"There's not one day where I can remember not having a single needle," said Calabrese. "I have them every day whether it's in my arm, back, anywhere."
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Calabrese hopes to convince politicians to continue funding research projects like the Special Diabetes Program.
"My family and I look forward to going to Capitol Hill alongside so many other inspiring kids to meet with our senators and representatives," added Calabrese. "Together, we have a chance to make a difference in the lives of people with Type 1 Diabetes."
International delegates from Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Israel, and Canada will also join the effort.
