Today, singer/songwriter Nick Jonas, a member of the popular pop-rock band the Jonas Brothers, testified before Senator Susan Collins' committee to discuss his struggle with Type 1 diabetes.
Jonas, who was 13 when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes three years ago, was joined by actress Mary Tyler Moore, International Chairman of JDRF, and boxing legend "Sugar" Ray Leonard.
The hearing, titled "Type 1 Diabetes Research: Real Progress and Real Hope for a Cure," included children from all 50 states. Delegates representing Maine include 10-year old Hannah Ryder of Cumberland and 8-year old Cole Buchanan of Falmouth. Hannah was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes three years ago and will also testify before the committee to discuss her challenges living with this disease.
"Diabetes is a life-long condition that affects people of every age, race and nationality. Juvenile diabetes is the second most common chronic disease affecting children. The statistics of diabetes are truly overwhelming. Hearing from children like Hannah and Cole help Congress to focus on what it can do to better understand and ultimately conquer this terrible disease. I am proud that Nick Jonas is an outspoken advocate for other young people afflicted with this disease. These children put human faces on all of the statistics," said Senator Collins.
Senator Collins is co-chair and a founder of the Senate Diabetes Caucus and has been recognized as a champion for her efforts to increase federal funding for research that will lead to better treatments and a cure for diabetes.