JDRF advocate, Caleigh, 13, attended the New Hampshire Presidential Candidate Forums in November 2003. She asked the candidates how they would support diabetes research if elected to the White House in November 2004.

My name is Caleigh and I'm 13 years old and live in New Hampshire. I've been living with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes for four years and I have Celiac Disease too! Celiac disease is another autoimmune disorder like diabetes which means I can't eat anything with wheat, rye, barley, malt, or oats. To help take good care of myself, I am very active in sports, especially field hockey, and I play in both the outdoor and indoor seasons.

Recently, my social studies class was lucky to be involved in the local Presidential Forums and I wanted to be included so I could ask the candidates questions about type 1 diabetes. Finding a cure is important to me because I want to stay healthy and live a normal life, and if asking questions is what helps, then I'll do what it takes.

I was able to see both Congressman Richard Gephardt and Retired General Wesley Clark. I asked Congressman Gephardt the following questions: "If you were elected President, would you expand the federal policy on stem cell research to give scientists the tools to help find a cure for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes?" Rep. Gephardt said he would promise to help us find a cure and fully support further research in the USA.

It was a really neat experience to get up in front of everyoneI was even interviewed by a reporter. The reporter wanted to know if I liked Rep. Gephardt's answers, which I did. Getting involved in politics right now seems right, but I don't know if this is what I want to do in the future.

I want to tell other kids that in spite of having diabetes you can still do things that you love. My best friends are on the field hockey and softball teams with me, and we have a lot of fun together. My family is also very supportive of me, especially my dog Buddy. Buddy can tell when my blood sugar is low because he comes over and sits next to me when I don't feel well. He's a great friend.