I have always wanted to attend a Promise to Remember Me Meeting. When my mom and I saw that this meeting fit perfectly into our schedule, was close by, and was convenient for us, I jumped on the opportunity and looked forward to going. When the day of the meeting came, I was excited, knowing it was going to be an experience I would never forget. Before I left, I gathered a picture of myself and glued it to construction paper. On the construction paper I wrote “Promise to Remember Me” at the top and then followed with my name, age, school, activities, and saying I was an ambassador for JDRF along with the words THANK YOU.
My grandpa and my father attended the meeting with me. The office was very nice, having pictures of Representative Patrick Tiberi (R-12-OH) himself, the White House, and other charities and groups he supports. His office staff was very friendly and assisted us to make us feel as though we were at home. When Rep. Tiberi came in we all stood up and shook hands with him and his assistant. His assistant took notes throughout the meeting about topics we discussed such as diabetes in school, sports, the Special Diabetes Program, the statistics surrounding diabetes and its effects.
We then went around the room sharing our personal story of diabetes and life, saying how it affects us, the complications we endure, our feelings about diabetes and hopeful plans for the future. As a Quad, Zone, and OhioState swimmer I talked about swimming and how I constantly have to keep an eye on my blood sugar levels, making sure they do not go too low, even though it seems as though they always do! I shared that diabetes could be frustrating in school as I never want to fall behind in my classes due to my disease. I also shared that I have also been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, meaning I must eat a gluten-free diet. This means I am allergic to wheat, flour, oats, barley, malt, or grains. I told Rep. Tiberi that Celiac Disease needs a “trigger” to be brought on and that diabetes was perfect to act as that trigger. My father and grandfather also pointed out that diabetes does not only affect the diabetic himself, but the family as well. Then parents had their turn to make any comments. The table was then open for discussion as Rep. Tiberi asked us questions he had regarding the disease and to clear up some voting procedures he had performed earlier.
After answering questions and having open talk on diabetes at the table, Rep Tiberi asked for his camera crew to snap a few photos of him with the kids and then him with the families. For the Promise to Remember Me website, a picture was also taken and is now posted there. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and meeting and talking to Rep. Tiberi. It is satisfying to know that I may not only have helped my life and the future it holds, but thousands of other children dealing with the devastating disease of Juvenile Diabetes. We are very grateful that Rep. Tiberi took the time to listen and hopefully “Remember Us.”
-Tanner Barton
12yrs.
Dublin, Ohio