Get Involved!!!

The first time I took place in a large-scale action alert, it was intoxicating. JDRF had pushed to get a special line of funding for Type 1 diabetes in the NIH. It was a close call; close enough that all of Washington, including the White House, needed to hear how we felt. An alert went out, and within minutes, my phone call and fax were one of the thousands and thousands that literally jammed DC phone lines. Needless to say, we got what we needed.

Many more successes have come thanks to the JDRF’s grassroots advocacy network since then, and from that, parents like me have become both empowered and hopeful. When I was quoted on the front page of the New York Times saying that when I called Sen. Edward Kennedy’s office, they always took my call, I wasn’t kidding. And when I tell you I have more hope than ever that, with the combination of JDRF’s private research funding (over $113 million this year alone!) and Washington both listening to us and making the votes we need happen, I mean that with all my heart.

My daughter “gets it” too. One day, driving in the car, she talked about a few different research projects she knew of and legislation that was backing them. “You know, Mom,” she said, breaking from her usual teen chatter about clothing lines and boys, “It really feels like something’s going to happen. Look at what we’ve done so far!” My advocacy had already given my daughter a better alternative: real hope.

Nine years ago it scared me to even consider Lauren’s future. Today, I’m happy to. I know, as an advocate for JDRF, there will come a time, and a time not too far from now, when I can say “I was one of the people who helped cure diabetes.”

I encourage you to log onto www.jdrf.org, click on advocacy and then register as an advocate. You’ll be surprised the power you wield, and the difference it can make.

Hey, I’m just a suburban mom who loves her child. Yet my voice is one Washington listens to. Yours can be too