Promise to Remember Me Campaign

WA Volunteers Recognized for Outstanding Advocacy Efforts

JDRF International honored four volunteer Government Relationsleaders in Washington State for successfully coordinating and completing 100% of their Promise to Remember Me meetings. Suzanne Kotz (Seattle), Janice Merdgen (Woodinville), Sally Poutiatine (Spokane), and Peggy DeGregory (Olympia) managed the state’s advocacy efforts to spread awareness and secure pledges of support for type 1 diabetes funding from elected officials.

During the 10-month Promise campaign, Washington families affected by type 1 diabetes shared their stories with nine U.S. representatives and two U.S. senators, and asked for their pledge to support federal research funding. Washington was one of only 14 states to complete 100% of their Promise meetings.

Overall 374 meetings took place across the country, a 23% increase from 2006 and a new record for Promise meetings. These personal meetings with members of Congress are critically important as a reminder of the difficulties of living with type 1 diabetes and the urgent need for research funding aimed at a cure.