BEMUS POINT — Rep. Tom Reed recently met with a group of children and their parents, discussing ways Type 1 Diabetes impacts their daily lives. Tom, the father of a Type 1 Diabetic, understood that it isn’t as simple as pricking your finger in the morning and setting off for the day. Meeting at The Bemus Point Inn in Bemus Point, NY, the children and their parents told Tom about their experiences and what some of the challenges are. Many of the youths showed Tom their various medical devices and equipment they need to bring with them every day.

These families are a part of the JDRF of Western New York, the leading global organization that funds Type 1 Diabetes research.

“While we all try to empathize with those who live with life-altering illnesses and other issues, my family has first-hand knowledge of this battle with Type-1 Diabetes,” Tom said. “It is important that these children and their families know that we care about them, and that they are not alone in this. That’s why I was thrilled to meet with these families, hear their stories and share some of my own.”

One mother, who has two sons that have Type 1 Diabetes, said it impacts their daily choices, from what they can eat to what sports they can play that day. Another mother and her young daughter, who will be attending kindergarten this year, said it can be difficult because her daughter can be left out from activities, depending on where her sugar levels are.

“Sometimes, she feels left out,” her mother said. “There are times she can’t participate in gym because her sugar levels are low.”

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has a mission of improving lives by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat Type 1 Diabetes and its complication. The organization funds research, advocates for government support of research and new therapies and connects and engages the community. For more information, visit jdrf.org.