Last month at the Township of Nutley Board of Commissioners Meeting, the Board recognized Nutley resident Russell Ballou for his achievement in representing New Jersey as a JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Youth Ambassador. The Commissioners provided the 11-year-old with a standing ovation as he courageously took the podium to share that he would be attending the Children’s Congress in Washington D.C. 

“I want to commend you and congratulate you on being selected; it’s a great honor,” said Commissioner John V. Kelly III of the Department of Public Affairs and Health.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas are mistakenly destroyed by the body’s immune system. T1D occurs in both children and adults, and there is currently no cure. People with T1D are dependent on injected or pumped insulin to survive.

Russell traveled to Washington D.C. on July 9th with his family. “I was extremely nervous to speak with the Congressmen and women,” he shared, “but with the support of Nutley - and having practiced beforehand at the Commissioners meeting - I was able to have the determination to go to Capitol Hill and share my experiences with the delegates from not only the 50 U.S. states but from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands.”  

The main purpose of this convention was to educate on the importance of lowering insulin costs for individuals with T1D like Russell. Renewing the Special Diabetes Act - and securing a future to a cure - was another important task on the agenda. As an incoming John H. Walker Middle School student, attending the Children’s Congress was an enlightening experience for Russell, as he was surrounded by individuals who have faced the same circumstances as himself and understand the reality of T1D. “I wasn’t the odd one out; everyone there could relate to me,” Russell said. 

The first two days of the three-day convention were dedicated to prepping. Russell, along with other ambassadors, were given talking points but were also encouraged to speak from the heart and share their personal stories. They met with the delegates and their designated State Senators to prepare for the final day, in which they met with Federal lawmakers. Empowered by Nutley’s support, Russell had a successful trip and hopes to contribute his experiences to the town. 

“We’re very proud of Russell. He went down to Washington D.C. and represented the Township of Nutley, the State of New Jersey, and his family,” commented Mayor Joseph P. Scarpelli. “Let’s hope we find a cure for Type I diabetes. Russell is leading our fight!”