Nick Jonas, Mary Tyler Moore, Sugar Ray Leonard Fight For Federal Funding for Diabetes Research

Nick Jonas, Mary Tyler Moore, Sugar Ray Leonard and kids with type 1 diabetes testified this morning before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs on the need for funding for type 1 diabetes research.

The hearing was the culmination of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Children's Congress, the largest grassroots event held in support of research for type 1 diabetes. More than 150 children and teenagers representing all 50 states took part in JDRF's Children's Congress, which included a visit with President Barack Obama at the White House, a Town Hall panel of athletes and celebrities impacted by diabetes, individual visits for each kid delegate with their senators and representatives, and the Senate hearing.

"While technology has made it much easier for me to manage my diabetes, technology is not a cure. Insulin is not a cure. Like everyone here today, I know that the promise of a cure lies only in research," Mr. Jonas, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13 said. "I ask that each of you join me in supporting the renewal of the Special Diabetes Program next year so that the researchers can continue their work on a cure for our disease. My life depends on it. All our lives depend on it."

"Diabetes has changed my life," he said. "But I know I've benefited from the government's investment in diabetes research. With the help of Congress, I'll only have to wait a little bit longer for a cure."

"With your help, we're making real progress towards discovery, development, and delivery of cures and significantly improving the health outcomes of people with type 1 diabetes and its complications," Ms. Moore, who was diagnosed as an adult, testified. "With your help, new life-changing therapies and cures will, finally, be within our reach."

"My decision to turn professional was based largely on the desire to help my family cover the costs of my father's care," said Mr. Leonard, whose father had diabetes. "Thanks to Congress' support, the advances made through research are bringing us closer to the cure that will allow these children to finally knock out diabetes."

The Senate hearing, "Type 1 Diabetes Research: Real Progress and Real Hope for a Cure," included testimony from Ms. Moore, Mr. Jonas, Mr. Leonard, Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and four children with type 1 diabetes. The hearing was chaired by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).

JDRF is the leader in research leading to a cure for type 1 diabetes in the world. It sets the global agenda for diabetes research, and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of diabetes science worldwide.

The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, and can be fatal. Until a cure is found, people with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump -- each day, every day of their lives. And even with that intensive care, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.3 billion to diabetes research, including more than $156 million in FY2008. In FY2008, the Foundation funded more than 1,000 centers, grants in laboratories, hospitals, and industry, and fellowships in 22 countries.

For more information, visit the JDRF web site at www.jdrf.org or call 800-533-CURE.

For more information on Children's Congress, visit www.cc.jdrf.org.

Photo credit Walter McBride