You are one individual. You have bills to pay, errands to run, meals to prepare and in addition to your daily responsibilities, you must find time to manage your diabetes. In the midst of your daily responsibilities, how are you supposed to find time to talk about diabetes, let alone tell Congress what’s important to people with diabetes? What difference can one person make anyway?
A small pebble can create a strong ripple that is far reaching. Much like that pebble, on May 1 more than 200 volunteers will make time to be heard, to create that ripple. ADA volunteers from around the country will come to Washington, DC to participate in the ADA’s Call to Congress. These volunteers meet with their members of Congress to increase awareness about diabetes. In doing so, each volunteer will serve as a voice for the millions of people affected by diabetes.
During their meetings, volunteers will transform into advocates. They will urge Members of Congress to play a greater role in fighting diabetes by:
- Increasing funding for diabetes research and prevention;
- Protecting people with diabetes from discrimination; and
- Supporting a multi-year continuation for the Special Diabetes Programs.
Diabetes now costs the United States $174 billion a year. We can’t afford to ignore it. So what can you do? What difference will your efforts make?
While you may not be able to trek to Washington, DC, you can join thousands of other dedicated volunteers in telling Congress what is important.
From the comfort of your own home, or in a park, at a mall, at your desk, you can:
Call Congress toll-free at 877-ADA-2008 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (EST) from April 28 – May 2, 2008, and tell them we need more money for diabetes!
Letting lawmakers know how diabetes has touched you and your family can play a critical role in increasing Congress' understanding of why we need their help to fight this disease. For every call you make, you are speaking out on behalf of more than 21 million people living with diabetes! Help flood the Capitol Switchboard with calls to increase diabetes funding.
Cause a ripple and be part of the fight against diabetes.
