[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11770]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING WILLIAM VANDER ARK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN YODER

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2011

  Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William Vander Ark 
of Leawood, Kansas. William was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he 
was 8 years old. William must act as a mathematician, a physician, a 
personal trainer and a dietician just to stay alive. His insulin pump 
functions as his lifeline.
  This summer William joined 150 children and teens who participated in 
the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Children's Congress in 
Washington, DC. Collectively, they are fighting for a cure and working 
to help raise research money for this chronic, debilitating disease 
that affects nearly 26 million Americans nationwide.
  William is entering high school in the fall and wants a cure for Type 
1 diabetes so the disease doesn't change the course of his future. His 
dream is to become a commercial pilot, but current rules prevent those 
who have Type 1 diabetes from getting a license. While the law is in 
place because of safety concerns, there have been large strides in the 
development of new, transformational technologies since its passage. 
Despite adversity, William is committed to his dream and knows that if 
he keeps his mind to it and works hard, he can someday change the 
rules.
  One of these new technologies is the development of an artificial 
pancreas that is at a critical point in the regulatory process. I, 
along with numerous other Members of Congress, have written to the U.S. 
Food and Drug Administration and expressed a strong interest in a 
timely approval of this life-changing advancement. This technology 
could dramatically improve the health and quality of life for those, 
like William, who are living with diabetes.
  People with diabetes need better tools to manage their disease and 
prevent its life threatening and costly complications. We need to move 
forward in the development of this technology by quickly providing 
clear and reasonable guidance so this can proceed as soon as possible.
  William's passion and zeal have inspired not only me, but have left 
an impression on my entire staff. His parents should be extremely proud 
of him and his unwillingness to let a his life be dictated by his 
disease.

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