John Rockefeller (Sen-WV-S)

Advocates from the WV Branch of JDRF were fortunate to attend two meetings in Senator John Rockefeller's Charleston, WV office. The first meeting was held with Jessica Tice, director of Outreach in WV. In attendance were Ky Owen, whose 18-year-old son Aaron was diagnosed seven years ago, Margaret Hoover, and Jay & Lori Haapala. Ms. Tice was very knowledgeable about the artificial pancreas and had a few questions for both Jay and Ky. Jay explained how the artificial pancreas would help make managing his diabetes much easier, while Ky explained how helpful it would be for his son when he forgot to bolus. Ms. Tice asked Jay if he enjoyed meeting with Senator Rockefeller this summer during Children's Congress. Jay told Ms. Tice that he could have talked about the FAA and airplanes with Senator Rockefeller all day, but Jay had other meetings scheduled. Ms. Tice reminded Jay that Senator Rockefeller promised he would look into the FAA rule that denies people with type one diabetes from obtaining a commercial airline pilot's license and that Senator Rockefeller had a staff member actively working to find the answer. Everyone thanked Ms. Tice for meeting with them and for passing on the importance of the Artificial Pancreas Project and how it would change the way diabetes is managed. The second meeting occurred on Friday, January 20th. Senator Rockefeller welcomed Gina Frye, Margaret Hoover, and Jay & Lori Haapala. Gina Frye explained to Senator Rockefeller how important new technologies, such as the artificial pancreas, would make a huge difference in the life of her daughter Alyssa and all the other children and adults with type one diabetes. Of course, as a mother, Gina is very concerned about the day when Alyssa, who is 23, will want to be a mother herself. Gina stressed the importance of continued funding not only for a cure, but also research that helps prevent complications in people with diabetes. Jay Haapala then presented Senator Jay Rockefeller with one of his Family Team t-shirts which include his team name ~ The "Jay" Walkers. Senator Rockefeller was kind enough to have his picture taken with the group and promised he would look into joining the Diabetes Caucus.