Riley Fincher Foster, age 8 of Fountain Inn was chosen by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research to join a delegation of children and celebrity advocates in Washington, D.C. at JDRF 2017 Children’s Congress. The event was held on July 24-26, 2017. The Delegates lobbied their Members of Congress to remind them of the vital need to continue supporting T1D research that could reduce the burden of this disease and ultimately find a cure.
After months of preparation Riley participated in a number of activities on the Hill, including a Congressional Committee hearing to share personal testimonies that highlight the daily struggles of living with T1D and the need for continued funding for research projects such as the Special Diabetes Program. She also had meetings with two SC Senators and one SC Representative and participated in multiple news interviews for various stations.
“I am so happy that I was picked to be a part of JDRF 2017 Children’s Congress, added Riley, it was the most exciting thing I have ever done. Being with 165 other children living with T1 made me feel like as hard as it is sometimes that I am never alone. It also made me want a cure even more…not just for me, but for all my new friends and everyone living with T1. I was able to share my story with people who can make a huge impact on T1D research, and all of them said they would support me which is so awesome. I’m really proud that I had a chance to make a difference in the lives of people with T1D. The scientists are doing a lot of really neat things that will make life with type 1 so much easier and less scary. They just need the support from everyone to make changes happen.”
“I am home from D.C., but I am still working hard to share my story and make sure the Special Diabetes Program is renewed.”
“As parents we could not be more proud of Riley. She has such a fire inside of her and is using it to make a positive impact. She has a joyful spirit and infectious confidence, and I think that was an asset during such intense and important meetings. Emotionally watching your 8 year-old little girl walk into the office of a Senator or Representative and lead a meeting had me bursting with pride. Hearing her revisit her diagnosis, share her struggles and fears of living with T1, and proudly explaining the SDP to ask for a renewal brought tears to my eyes at each meeting.”
You can encourage renewal of the SDP by following this link…https://www2.jdrf.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id =481&NONCE_TOKEN=5A0FD8C31CF817BFE402EE77CD614D5D
Riley is the daughter of Chad and Courtney-Fincher Foster. ♦
