Travis, Allison, and Ethan

Senator Lieberman named Travis Blinn, Allison Roberto, and Ethan Falla "Joe's Heroes" for representing Connecticut and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as Children's Congress Delegates at the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing on Juvenile Diabetes.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is an organization committed finding a cure for diabetes. It was originally founded by parents of children with diabetes in 1970. Since then, it has raised more than $800 million, including $120 million in the fiscal year of 2004. With this sum of money, they have contributed to research at every level, including funding 31 new research centers in 19 different countries. JDRF's Children's Congress sponsors children with type 1 diabetes to speak with Members of Congress. It shows the members why research to find a cure for diabetes is so critical. 150 delegates, between the ages of 2 and 17, were chosen to represent their states at the Children's Congress, held in Washington, D.C. on June 18-22, 2005.

Travis, Allison, and Ethan were among 150 children who attended the June 21, 2005 hearing. The goal of the hearing was to address the impact that juvenile diabetes has on children and their families, the cost of diabetes care, and to discuss new research options that could ultimately lead to a cure for the disease.

Ethan testified at the hearing alongside other children with diabetes, as well as actress Mary Tyler Moore, Olympic swimmer Gary Hall, film producer Doug Wick, and Dr. Allen Spiegel of the National Institute of Health.

At the hearing, Senator Lieberman, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, discussed his proposal to establish the National Center for Cures. The Center would share knowledge and promote the discovery of cures and treatments. Senator Lieberman applauded the young delegates from Connecticut for their optimism and dedication to the cause, and encouraged the children to remain "dedicated to finding a cure. in a time where unprecedented advances in medicine, science, computers and communications have opened paths of discovery unimaginable just ten or twenty years ago."

Travis Blinn

Travis Blinn, of Wallingford, is 15 years old. He dislikes testing, and the way diabetes negatively affects his life. As a result, he feels passionately about finding a cure. He wishes he could participate in every clinical study conducted. He generously offers his time by saying, "I will do all that I can to help them." Travis is a car enthusiast. He thinks he would make a good mechanic and says that the car of his dream is a '68 Camaro. Recently, Travis has taken an interest in dirt bikes, and he rides them for fun. He also just started diving, and continues to play paintball and fish. He says he is "thrilled to be part of the fight against Diabetes."

Allison Roberto

Allison Roberto is from Wallingford. She is 11 years old. Alison has had diabetes since she was 6, and says that the testing process is no fun. Regardless, she still enjoys activities such as figuring skating, hockey, skiing, reading, and drawing. She is a dog lover with a warm heart, and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. She is committed to diabetes education. She says, "I want to teach more people about diabetes. They need to know what to do if a family member or friend gets it, and they need to know what a day in the life of someone with diabetes is like." In a Yale questionnaire, she was asked if she is upset that she can't pursue careers like being an airline pilot. Her simple response was "who says I can't?"

Ethan Falla

Ethan Falla is 13 years old, and lives in New Britain. Ethan is a member of his high school's honor society and is an accomplished Irish dancer. He enjoys playing sports, and he dreams of a world where "we can all just be kids, free of diabetes." At the age of 10, his little brother, Aiden, was diagnosed with diabetes and the reality of diabetes was even closer than before. Concerned for his little brother, he said, "I thought it was my fault. Although I worry about myself, I really worry more about my little brother." When he grows up, he thinks that being a mounted police officer "would be really cool." One of his proudest moments came when he read a poem he had written for the JDRF benefit.