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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E41]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING JDRF ADVOCATE MAX SELMSER
______
HON. JOHN KATKO
of new york
in the house of representatives
Monday, January 14, 2019
Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of Max Selmser, a
constituent in my district living with type 1 diabetes. Now 13 years
old, Max has lived with type 1 diabetes for over seven years and has
become an advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
(JDRF). Max's efforts have engaged his family, friends, and community
in finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes presents significant obstacles for those struggling
with the illness. Afflicted individuals must constantly manage the
disease through insulin shots to stabilize their blood sugar and are at
long-term risk for various severe complications. However, the millions
of people living with type 1 diabetes have bonded together to form a
strong community working to discover a cure in the near future. Max is
a perfect example of a member of this community.
Max participates in various awareness and fundraising events for type
1 diabetes. He has long served as a JDRF Youth Ambassador and Youth
Advocacy leader since his diagnosis. In these roles, he informs his
community about type 1 diabetes, how he lives with the illness, and
offers his advice to newly diagnosed children. Additionally, he is
active in the nationally popular JDRF One Walk and raised $35,000 to
research a cure with his walk team.
For the 2019 JDRF Children's Congress, Max aspires to be a delegate
from New York State in order to bring his advocacy efforts to
Washington. He will have the opportunity to meet with lawmakers to
discuss the funding needs of the Special Diabetes Program if selected.
Max is an inspiring individual and is an excellent role model for
children living through type 1 diabetes. He has my full support as he
continues the application process.
We have a responsibility to invest in cures and assist researchers in
their efforts to cure the diseases plaguing millions of Americans, and
costing our nation billions of dollars. Type 1 diabetes is no exception
and Congress must invest in the medical specialists searching for a
solution to this ailment. Congress has taken positive steps forward
with the 21st Century Cures Act, but these efforts must continue.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in
recognizing Max Selmser. Living through any disease is no easy task but
Max doesn't let his disease prevent him from reaching his full
potential. I thank Max, as well as advocates across the country, for
their efforts to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. I am optimistic one
day soon a solution to this illness will be discovered thanks to the
commitment of organizations such as the JDRF.
____________________