Government Relations
Children's Congress 2009
150 children with type 1 diabetes – ages 4 to 17 – representing all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia were selected as delegates for the JDRF Children’s Congress 2009 held in Washington D.C. June 22 to 24, 2009. Their goal—to raise awareness about type 1 (juvenile) diabetes and increase Congressional support to help develop a cure.
Children’s Congress welcomed five honorary international delegates from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Israel, and the United Kingdom.
The JDRF Children’s Congress is the largest media and grassroots event held in support of finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.
Mary Tyler Moore, JDRF International Chairman, again lead the way for the children during the JDRF Children’s Congress 2009.
JDRF Children’s 
Congress 2009 included Congressional visits by the child delegates and a Senate hearing where Ms. Moore, select child delegates and researchers will testify.
“Promise to Remember Me” served as the children’s theme – a powerful call to lawmakers to remember their struggle and the urgency of providing more funds to diabetes research to find a cure.
Ms. Moore and the child delegates asked Members of Congress to support an increase in overall funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health.
Cynthia Ford of 
Grosse Point Farms, Michigan was Chair of the JDRF Children’s Congress 2009. Along with her husband Edsel and son Albert, who has type 1 diabetes, they served as the designated Chair Family.
The Senate Co-Chairs of Children’s Congress 2009 were Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and the House Co-Chairs are Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE).
President Obama with Children's Congress Delegates
Resources
Visit JDRF's national Children's Congress page for complete information
Nick Jonas Testifies at 2009 Children's Congress
President Obama with Delegates of 2009 Children's Congress
Learn more about Children's Congress and how to apply for 2011
