That may be a wrap on Breakthrough T1D’s 2025 Children’s Congress, but the impact of this year’s 170 delegates will be felt for years to come. Between July 7 and 9, youth leaders living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) from all over the United States, and around the world, descended upon Washington, D.C., to advocate for all those impacted by this disease.
Including seven representatives from the Mountain West Territory.
This year’s session focused on one main goal: ensure T1D research continues to progress forward. In meetings with congresspeople as well as in a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Delegates advocated for renewing the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), securing strong funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and supporting policies that accelerate cell therapy research. Delegates were also able to participate in a Q&A with this year’s T1D Role Models and introduce the world to Breakthrough T1D’s groundbreaking collaboration with Mattel: the first Barbie doll with T1D.
We invited this year’s Mountain West Delegates to tell us their most memorable moments from this year’s session. Here’s what they had to say:
Mari, 8, Denver, Colorado
“The most impactful part of Children’s Congress was meeting Senator Bennet and talking to him. It was exciting to learn that he is very supportive of renewing the Special Diabetes Program. There was a lot of support for T1D research from everyone I talked to, and in the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing I was able to attend. That was really awesome.”
Noah, 10, Colorado Springs, Colorado
“It was so cool to meet a role model like Katie Bone! I love watching American Ninja Warrior and it’s neat to see an athlete who has to manage their T1D, as well.”
Zoe, 17, Boulder, Colorado
“The most impactful part of Children’s Congress was being surrounded by intelligent, brave, and strong individuals living with T1D, while advocating for what I believe in. I felt inspired as I met incredible individuals who have achieved immense success despite their disease. Walking through the hallways of the Capitol, meeting with my legislators, and attending the Senate hearing on the SDP made me feel part of a movement for change and progress.”
Melaina, 12, Sandy, Utah
“The most impactful part of Children’s Congress is the close, loving community we’ve built. That connection made the Washington, D.C., trip incredibly fun and meaningful. Being part of Breakthrough T1D helps us, as people living with T1D, grow stronger together and build a supportive, inspiring community. Breakthrough T1D also gives us opportunities to cope with challenges, gain amazing experiences, and make lasting memories—like visiting Washington, D.C. and meeting with senators and representatives. That experience was so inspiring and has motivated me to do great things in the future.”
Reese, 15, West Jordan, Utah
“My favorite part of Children’s Congress was meeting all the little kids with T1D. It reminded me why I wanted to be involved in the first place. Seeing them made me think about what I went through, and how much I want to make things easier for them. I don’t want them to have to suffer the way I did. My hope is that, one day, we can actually prevent more kids from getting T1D at all. That’s what keeps me going.”
Sofia, 14, South Jordan, Utah
“Children’s Congress was really such a unique and incredible experience! I loved meeting people from all over the country and made amazing friendships I know will last! I talked with staffers and one of our senators about living with T1D. One of the highlights was getting to speak in Mandarin Chinese with Senator Curtis! Children’s Congress was such a life-changing opportunity!”
Tyler, 16, Cheyenne, Wyoming
“Children’s Congress was an amazing opportunity to carry the message about how important it is to continue funding research and working towards a cure for T1D. I enjoyed learning more about advocacy and meeting with my congressional delegation. It was also great to meet the T1D role models; they had some great information to share on how to live with T1D and are a good inspiration.”
To read more about this year’s impactful Children’s Congress, and to learn about how you can use your voice to impact Breakthrough T1D’s Advocacy priorities, click here.
