Rep.
Michael
Rogers
Meeting Summary -
REP-AL-3
L to R: Karen and Tripp Rabren, Diane Glanzer representing her nieces, Jennifer (age 22) and Jessica (age 23), Hope and Lisa Bruner.
Three families of JDRF advocates met with Congressman Mike Rogers on August 28th for Alabama’s first Promise to Remember Me meeting. The JDRF advocates in attendance were Karen Rabren and her son Tripp (age 14); Diane Glanzer who represented her nieces, Jennifer (age 22) and Jessica (age 23); and Lisa Bruner and her daughter Hope (age 5). The advocates thanked the congressman for his support of the Special Diabetes Program and for meeting with them. Hope’s mom shared Hope’s story and discussed how diabetes changes your life. Hope had drawn a picture for Congressman Rogers which he appreciated very much. Tripp told his own moving story of living with diabetes, giving up football and his dream of serving in the military and hospital visits for ketoacidosis. Diane Glanzer told the story of her nieces and how they discovered they had diabetes. Jessica was in basic training in the army when it was discovered she had diabetes. Her dream of being an army psychologist was lost because of she was unable to finish basic training due to being in the hospital for twelve days. The Congressman listened intently to the stories.
Congressman Rogers asked questions about the signs and symptoms of diabetes and the financial burden of diabetes. The advocates discussed with him what would happen if the Special Diabetes Program was not renewed and the impact that would have on research for a cure and for technology.
|