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Miss Black USA 2007 greets the JDRF Congress and its members
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Samuel Lora 2009: JDRF Children's Congress
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International is the leading foundation to find a cure for type 1 diabetes in the world. Its mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through support of research.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults without warning, and could be fatal. Until its cure, people with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump throughout the day. Some of the complications arising from diabetes are kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke and possible amputation.
Found in 1970, by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.3 billion to diabetes research, and in 2008 funded more than 1,000 centers, grants in laboratories, hospitals, and industry, and fellowships in twenty-two countries.
Every two years, JDRF International Chairman Mary Tyler Moore and over one hundred children with type 1 diabetes gather in Washington DC to meet face to face with some of the top decision makes in the US government. The children, ages 4 to 17, represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As participants of the Children’s Congress, they all have the unique opportunity to help Congress understand what life with type 1 diabetes is like and why research is critical to find the cure.
On June 23rd, the JDRF Children’s Congress had a panel of public figures, including Miss Black USA 2007 Kalilah Allen-Harris, world-renowned concert cellist Alisa Weilerstein, NFL’s Minnesota Viking Jared Kenny, JDRF Research Director Aaron Kowalski Ph.D, moderator and ESPN sportscaster Brian Kenny, and speaker, Mary Tyler Moore.
The panelists had over an hour and a half where they shared the stories of their diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and answered questions from the children present. Mary Tyler Moore introduced the panelists and after thirty years of work with the foundation, received a standing ovation from the crowd.
In her introduction to Kalilah Allen-Harris, Mary mentioned that Ms. Harris was diagnosed when she was fourteen and asked the former Miss Black USA to share her winning smile with the rest of the attendees.
Kalilah was often the comic relief at the conference, and the most endearing panelist. Filled with poise and self-assurance, Kalilah was probably the one that the kids could relate to the most.
When talking to Kalilah, the twenty-three year old mentions that although she had been part of smaller organizations in Alabama growing up, her title of Miss Black USA 2007 is the platform she has used to bring attention to type 1 diabetes. Ms Harris does have a winning smile, and in her petite proportions, stands tall. Extending her right arm, she greets with undivided attention, and although already surrounded by kids and family members trying to get their autographs after the event was over, Kalilah is focused and respectful to everyone around her.
“Oprah” she answered when a child asked her about her role model. She went to explain how Oprah has been a source of inspiration for what Kalilah has hoped to be able to do in raising awareness for the organization and finding a cure for diabetes.
“What’s the best opportunity to come out of your title of Miss Black USA 2007?” With a slight moment of hesitation, Kalilah can’t hold back her ambitions. “Meeting Tyler Perry.” Kalilah went on to explain that after meeting the actor/producer, he offered her a guest starring role in his TBS show Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. She is no stranger to the spotlight, the aspiring actress has been part of Kellie Pickler’s new music video “The Best Days of Your Life” (Featuring Taylor Swift).
Check out the behind the scenes video below.
When asked about the meaning of the organization and events to the children involved, she says it’s very important to show support to kids that need to comprehend the meaning of their situation. Kalilah said she lost twenty pounds in one week, before being diagnosed and she was left confused about her constant dehydration. Although she never had problems with other kids harassing her, she feels it’s necessary to have an outlet for kids to feel comfortable, and also pressure those individuals with the ability to aid and help find a cure for diabetes.
Another cause close to her heart is Lupus, the chronic autoimmune disease, which her mother has. Although important, Kalilah feels that she needs to emphasize the importance of type 1 diabetes and will keep working with organizations trying to find a cure. Kalilah, made a video titled “You Can’t Catch Diabetes from a Friend”.
Never too serious, the karaoke fan shared what her favorite song is to perform. Depending on the situation, but likely is going to be Beyoncé’s “Déjà vu”.
While she signed autographs, there was a chance to speak with Stephanie Shaheen, and her daughter Ellen. Stephanie is the daughter of New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who was awarded the previous night for her contribution to JDRF. Stephanie shared her excitement of the events and how this organization had helped them deal with Ellen’s diabetes.
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Kalilah Allen-Harris can be seen on Tyler Perry's House of Payne's episode showing on TBS on Wednesday, July 1st.
To view Kellie Pickler's video, featuring Kalilah, click here to view it on her official youtube channel.
All photographs by Samuel Lora 2009
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