This summer, two local teens from Pitt and Greene Counties, Madelyn Sutter and Kade McLawhorn, traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent North Carolina at the Children’s Congress, a national advocacy event hosted by Breakthrough T1D. Both ECU Health patients living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) since early childhood, Sutter and McLawhorn joined over 170 youth delegates from across the country to speak directly with lawmakers about the importance of renewing the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), which funds critical research and technology for T1D.
Sutter, 17, is a rising senior and intern at ECU Health Medical Center’s pediatric pharmacy through ECU Health and Pitt County Schools Health Sciences Academy, a high school curriculum program designed to expose and prepare students who wish to pursue health care-related careers upon graduation. Diagnosed at age three, Sutter has spent the last 14 years navigating life with T1D and now serves as a youth ambassador for Breakthrough T1D.
McLawhorn, 15, is entering 10th grade and is a three-sport athlete who loves the outdoors. He was diagnosed at age four and has been active in the diabetes community ever since. He also serves as a youth ambassador for Breakthrough T1D.
Both teens are passionate about advocacy and were thrilled to be selected for the Children’s Congress. They were two of the five delegates from North Carolina.
“It was a really cool experience to help advocate for things that matter and apply to my life personally,” said McLawhorn. “Not a lot of people get in, so it felt special to be part of something so important.”
During their time in D.C., Sutter and McLawhorn met with staffers from Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd’s offices and visited Representative Greg Murphy’s and Rep. Don Davis’s offices. Their goal was to urge lawmakers to support the renewal of the SDP, which is set to expire in September.
“We were the faces of the program,” Sutter said. “Everyone wants to hear kids’ stories, and we were that personal connection to show how this funding directly helps us.”
Sutter shared with lawmakers how her life has changed thanks to SDP-funded advancements.
“I used to give myself shots constantly,” said Sutter. “Now I use an automated insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. It’s still a 24/7 job, but these tools make being a teenager with diabetes a lot easier.”
One of the highlights for both teens was meeting celebrities who also live with T1D. Delegates attended a meet-and-greet with actors, athletes and influencers who have turned their diagnosis into a source of strength.
“It was so cool to meet people you see on TV and realize they deal with the same stuff we do,” McLawhorn said.
Sutter and McLawhorn’s bond goes beyond Congress. They have known each other for years through Camp Needles in the Pines, a camp for kids with T1D hosted by the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and ECU Health. Sutter’s mom, who is also McLawhorn’s endocrinologist, serves as the camp’s medical director.
“We’ve grown up together,” Sutter said. “He’s like my diabetes little brother.”
McLawhorn echoed the sentiment.
“We’ve gone to camp together for a long time and have just been good friends since then,” said McLawhorn. “It’s great having someone like Maddie who understands what it’s like.”
At camp, the kids enjoy swimming, archery, kayaking and arts and crafts, all while being supported by medical professionals who understand T1D.
“It’s comforting for parents and empowering for kids,” Sutter added. “You may be the only person in your school with diabetes, but camp reminds you that you’re never alone.”
Both Sutter and McLawhorn are determined to continue advocating for T1D awareness and support.
“I love public speaking,” Sutter said. “This was my chance to share my story and be a voice for others.”