Thank you, Mr. Hindle.
My name is Mitchell Burke, and I am from Winnipeg. I am 11 years old. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on May 14, 2004. My life took a big turn that day, one that I will never forget, nor will my parents.
The hopes and dreams of living a normal childhood and adulthood are gone. I had to grow up very quickly. I used to think that diabetes was just part of my life, but looking at it more closely, I realize it is my life. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for insulin, needles, finger pokes, counting carbohydrates, and watching my daily activities. Even with all this work, I am constantly worrying about the highs and lows of my blood sugar and the life-threatening complications associated with this disease.
When people ask me what the cure would mean, it would mean freedom to live my life free of complications, and freedom to be a normal person without the worry of what I am eating or what activity I would like to do. It would mean the freedom to grow old and follow my dreams.
Without JDRF, we wouldn't be this close to a cure. We are here today to spread our message to all parliamentarians that a cure is close. With your help, you can make it happen. The fact that you are all here today supporting and encouraging us gives us hope that our lives can change. A made-in-Canada cure for juvenile diabetes is a mission possible, but only if people like yourself make it your mission to ensure that the federal government increases research funding for this disease.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to appear before you today. Your support and dedication to our cause is greatly appreciated. Accept the mission to help us find the cure for type 1 diabetes.
Thank you.