To complete the application online, or to download a hardcopy to submit through the mail, please visit http://bit.ly/CC11App.

Held in odd-numbered years since its inception in 1999, Children’s Congress brings more than 150 children with type 1 diabetes and their families to Washington, D.C. Children’s Congress participants represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They meet with Members of Congress and other key federal decision-makers to help educate them about the critical need for federal funding for type 1 diabetes research. Children’s Congress participants represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Applicants must be between the ages of 4 and 17 and have type 1 diabetes. All applications must be received by JDRF by 5pm EDT on Monday, October 4, 2010. You can view a list of frequently asked questions regarding the application process by clicking here.

Children’s Congress inspires lawmakers to remember the children who live with type 1 diabetes when making decisions about medical research and voting on other important federal issues relating to diabetes. Our children’s stories, told in their own words, are more powerful than almost any other type of legislator education.

To learn more about Children’s Congress 2011 and to complete the application process, visit the Children’s Congress website at http://cc.jdrf.org or email JDRF at childrenscongress@jdrf.org.

Thanks for all you!

JDRF’s Children’s Congress 2011

Katie Rhoten. (c) http://www.leadertelegram.com

Katie, who was diagnosed last year with type 1 diabetes and was one of three delegates from Wisconsin, said President Barack Obama took time to shake hands with everyone who was selected for that honor.

When it was her turn, Katie recalled saying, “Hello, Mr. President. It’s an honor to meet you, and thank you very much for your support of stem cell research.”

Obama thanked her and said he was pleased to meet her. He spent about 15 minutes with the group and posed for photos before leaving to hold a major news conference focusing on Iran and other topics.

“It was really cool,” Katie said. “He’s very nice.”

Congratulations to Katie and the rest of our Wisconsin Delegates!