150 children with type 1 diabetes are packing their suitcases and running last-minute errands. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International's (JDRF) Children's Congress 2007 is only a week away! Representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the children, ranging in age from 4 to 17, were selected as delegates for this year's Children's Congress to be held June 17-20, 2007 in DC. Held every two years since 1999, Children's Congress is the largest media and grassroots event held in support of the search for a cure.

Select child delegates and researchers will join JDRF's International Chairman, Mary Tyler Moore, to testify at a Senate hearing. They will ask Congress to support increased overall funding for type 1 diabetes research at the National Institutes of Health. Delegates will also be making Congressional visits.

"Promise to Remember Me" is the children's theme. A raw, honest message to encourage top Congressional lawmakers to remember their struggle and their urgent call for more funding. You bet I promise to remember all the beautiful children dealing courageously with type 1 diabetes. My family will proudly watch for Children's Congress 2007 next week and cheer you on with each beat of our hearts.

Read more about Moore's advocacy for diabetes at this previous post.