The six Children's Congress reporters Photo: Camera One

The articles from the 2003 JDRF Children's Congress were written and reported by these young writers (clockwise from top):

Rebecca Guiterman
Age 15, Maryland
1999 JDRF Children's Congress delegate
"I have had diabetes since I was 9 months old, which gives me a unique perspective. I cannot imagine life without it. Because I want a cure for this condition, I will report about the delegates who lobby and provide details for those of you who are not attending.

"As a reporter, I hope to teach people about the proceedings and accomplishments of the delegates. I have been a delegate, which gives me experience and familiarity with the events. My favorite event was meeting my members of Congress, because I remember feeling honored that they made time to help find a cure."

Mollie and Jackie Singer
Age 14, Nevada
1999 Children's Congress delegates
Jackie and Mollie have raised over $100,000 for diabetes research since age 6, started an international diabetes support group, and helped represent Nevada at the first Children's Congress. The twins have written a booklet, "The Road to the Cure," and have advocated for a cure for diabetes in Washington for the past eight years. They have testified twice before Senate and House hearings and have met with President Bush.

The twins have appeared in the press many times, but this is their first work as reporters behind the pen! Mollie has had diabetes since age 4. Jackie remains diabetes-free but is every bit as devoted to advocating for a cure as her sister is.

Leigh Stanford
Age 16, Massachusetts
Sister of 2003 Children's Congress delegate Lauren Stanford
"When I was 10, my younger sister, Lauren, was diagnosed with diabetes. She had just started kindergarten; I was in fifth grade.

"For almost six years now, our family has coped with the disease, learning every good and bad thing that comes along with it. Lauren has matured from a scared 5-year-old into the brave and influential girl she is today. Each day Lauren amazes me more and more with her courage in facing a disease I know I could never cope with.

"Lauren came to Children's Congress to try to achieve her dream: a cure for diabetes. I also came with a dream: becoming a writer. Since Lauren was diagnosed, I have found it a sanctuary to write. With words on a page, I can sort my feelings, my worries, and my hopes for Lauren and for me. I hope that with my dream in hand and Lauren's dream on my shoulders, together we can cure diabetes."

Caroline Rowley
Age 13, Texas
1999 JDRF Children's Congress delegate
2001 JDRF Children's Congress Chair Family
"I am uniquely suited to write about Children's Congress. I was a delegate in 1999 and the "chair child" in 2001. I can relate to the delegates and hope they will open up to me because I'm a kid with diabetes, too! I want to report that children are fighting to find the cure and more children should join the fight.

"Registration and the meals are my favorite events because it is awesome being in a room with 200 kids who go through what you go through. The Children's Congress will teach each delegate how to become their own advocate, as it did for me. We have a voice in our government and our members of Congress do listen to kids!"

Jenna Queenan
Age 14, Virginia
2001 JDRF Children's Congress delegate
"Getting diagnosed with diabetes at age 3 forced me to become more responsible than most kids. I believe that to live my life fully, I must make the best of a bad situation. At the 2001 Children's Congress, I realized just how important it is to find a cure for diabetes. It inspired me to become an advocate for diabetes research.

"One person can make a difference; this is what I hope to do as a reporter. At Children's Congress, everyone will be fighting for the same goal: to cure diabetes."