Morgan Hill teen Nikhita Gopisetty was selected as one of nearly 160 kids from across the country to advocate for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research in Washington, D.C.
Gopisetty, 15 of Morgan Hill, was chosen by Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, to join a delegation of children and celebrity advocates in the nation’s capitol this summer at the JDRF 2017 Children’s Congress from July 24-26.
The delegates will lobby members of Congress to remind them of the vital need to continue supporting T1D research that could reduce the burden of this disease and ultimately find a cure.
“Children’s Congress gives the T1D community a unified voice in front of Congress and a way to urge our government leaders to continue supporting research,” said Derek Rapp, JDRF President.
Those selected from each of the 50 states—ages 4 to 17—will participate in a number of activities on the Hill, including a Congressional Committee hearing to share personal testimonies that highlight the daily struggles of living with T1D and the need for continued funding for research projects such as the Special Diabetes Program.
Gopisetty, an avid tennis player, baker and Golden State Warriors fan, is a dedicated feminist who wants to play a part in the fight for equality, according to the announcement.
“T1D has made me a much stronger, independent and mature woman than I would have ever imagined,” said Gopisetty who has type 1 diabetes.
Gopisetty helps to educate students, teachers and staff about the realities of T1D. She has also taken part in JDRF One Walk, JDRF TypeOneNation Summits and a mentoring program called Diabuddies.
“I enjoy helping those who are newly diagnosed with a strong passion, for nothing is better than the feeling of making someone recognize that they’re not alone,” she added.
About JDRF Children’s Congress
JDRF Children’s Congress was inspired by (then) 8-year-old Tommy Solo from Massachusetts, in 1999. He overheard adult JDRF volunteers talking about going to Washington, D.C. to talk to Congress and thought it was important that children go, too, and make their voices heard. JDRF Children’s Congress inspires national lawmakers to remember the children who live with T1D when making decisions about medical research funding and voting on other important federal government issues relating to diabetes.
