Teen advocating for type 1 diabetes research
Zane Bland was chosen to be a delegate in the JDRF 2019 Children’s Congress
The first (football) game of my sophomore year, I had to sit out the entire time because my blood sugar was low and I couldn’t go in and do anything. So I wanted to change things. I wanted to make everything better for diabetics. I wanted to make everybody normal.
Zane Bland
JDRF delegate and SSHS student
Zane Bland wants people with type 1 diabetes to have a chance to live without having to put their lives on pause because of their disease.
The 16-year-old Siloam Springs High School student is one of four Arkansas children chosen by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s 2019 Children’s Congress as a delegate, according to a press release from the nonprofit.
The Arkansas delegates will join with more than 160 other children from all 50 states on July 8-10 to lobby members of Congress and remind them of the vital need to support type 1 diabetes research that could reduce the burden of the disease and ultimately find a cure, the release states. They will be joined by five international delegates traveling from Australia, Canada, Israel, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
While in Washington, D.C., the children will attend a congressional committee meeting to share their personal testimonies, meet with their local members of Congress and Representatives, and meet role models — celebrities and athletes — who have the disease.
“Every day these children and their parents face the burden of type 1 diabetes and by sharing their stories they become powerful advocates in the fight to end this disease,” said Sue Tull, executive director, JDRF Arkansas Chapter. “The delegates are a representation of millions of other families who need the support of the government. Children’s Congress gives the T1D youth community a unified voice in front of Congress and a way to urge our government leaders to continue supporting research.
Zane, who will be starting his junior year in high school in the fall, has lived longer with type 1
July 1—July 5
Monday – Chicken Caesar wrap, cucumber-tomato-onion salad, fresh fruit, potato chips
Tuesday – Cod fish, new potatoes, fresh green beans, wheat roll, angel food cake w/fresh peaches
Wednesday – Sliced ham, au gratin potatoes, summer squash casserole, wheat roll, watermelon wedges
Thursday – Closed for
Holiday
Friday – Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes/ gravy, summer veggies, wheat roll, fruit
July 8 — July 12
Monday – Chicken and waffle w/maple mustard sauce, tator tots, fresh fruit
Tuesday – Pulled pork plate, macaroni salad, baked beans, wheat roll, banana pudding
Wednesday – Spaghetti with meat sauce, Italian mixed veggies, garlic bread, fresh fruit
Thursday – Fried fish, French fries, creamy coleslaw, hushpuppies, green tomato relish, strawberry shortcake
Friday – Strawberry grilled chicken salad w/ mixed greens, cheese, walnuts, whole grain crackers, fruit yogurt cup
July 15 — July 19
Monday – Breaded chicken club sandwich, sweet potato fries, tangy slaw, pineapple/orange dream cake
Tuesday – Meatloaf, mashed potatoes/gravy, green beans, wheat roll, blackberry cobbler
Wednesday – Sweet and sour chicken w/rice, spinach and apple salad w/ vinaigrette, wheat roll
Thursday – Taco stuffed baked potato, fiesta corn, chips & salsa, fresh melon medley
Friday – Tuna salad tomato cup, broccoli salad, fresh fruit mix, whole grain crackers
July 22 — July 26
Monday – Dressed hamburger on bun, baked beans, home-style fries, fresh watermelon
Tuesday – Rotini w/ chicken and veggies, mixed green salad, Italian dressing, wheat roll, fresh baked cookie
Wednesday – Half of a Cajun turkey club sandwich, Vegetable soup, green salad w/dressing, fresh fruit medley
Thursday – Brisket, creamed corn, fried okra, wheat roll, lemon bar
Friday – Chicken enchiladas w/chips and salsa, charro beans, Spanish rice, Mexican brownie
July 29 — July 31
Monday – Chicken Caesar wrap, cucumber-tomato-onion salad, fresh fruit, potato chips
Tuesday – Cod, new potatoes, fresh green beans, wheat roll, angel food cake w/fresh fruit
Wednesday – Sliced ham, macaroni and cheese, summer squash casserole, wheat roll, watermelon wedges
The Siloam Springs Senior Activity and Wellness Center is located at 750 Heritage Court. Meals are served at noon at the center and are also available for delivery. The suggested donation for meals is $3 for seniors 60 and above. For more information, call (479) 524-5735.