[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 7 (Monday, January 14, 2019)]
[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.

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