In July, my dad and I flew to Washington, D.C., to talk about life with Type 1 diabetes and why I care about diabetes research. It was one of the best experiences of my life because I was with other kids with T1D and hearing their stories.

We visited the Capitol Hill offices of Rep. Mike Michaud and Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King to ask for their support of the Special Diabetes Program, which is helping to treat, prevent and even cure T1D.

I was even on a panel about diabetes in front of Sen. Collins, who is a leader on diabetes issues. It was my chance to represent millions of kids with T1D who could not be there, and talk about daily life issues with diabetes: checking blood sugar at least 10 times a day, even in the middle of the night, and taking injections of insulin, while measuring everything I eat and drink. If I don’t, I could risk serious complications that could keep me from doing well in school, playing football and chess.

I am doing my part participating in an SPD clinical trial so that we can know more about the disease than ever before. I could not do this without the support of my family.

I am grateful that the Maine members of Congress are doing their part in supporting the SPD. I hope Congress will renew the SPD so that my dad and I can say that the world is free from T1D.

Quinn Ferguson, Poland Spring