Brendan meets another world leader to talk type 1 diabetes
After visiting the White House to meet US President Barack Obama with 150 young people from around the world earlier this year, JDRF Youth Ambassador Brendan still had a couple more names on his list of world leaders to meet and talk about type 1 diabetes. He was able to cross another name off recently when he had dinner with the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd.
JDRF: How did you come to meet the PM?
Brendan: My Federal MP, Roger Price, invited me to his annual dinner dance. He was being honoured for serving 25 years in Parliament and invited the PM as his guest of honour. When we arrived at the dance, I was told by Mr Price’s staff that I would be sitting next to Mr Rudd for dinner, which was quite exciting!
JDRF: What did you talk about?
Brendan: We mainly spoke about how type 1 affects my life and how the insulin pump has changed my type 1 management. Mr Rudd was very interested in the pump and he knew how it worked and the difference it can make to the life of a type 1-er. We also spoke about my trip to the US and swapped White House stories and then we spoke about the Air Force Cadets and what I do there.
JDRF: Was he easy to talk to?
Brendan: Yes! When he talks to you he looks you in the eye and is very interested in what you are saying. The room was filled with 500 people and he makes you feel like you are the only one in the room. He is a very nice man.
JDRF: How much does he understand about life with type 1 diabetes?
Brendan: Heaps. Mr Rudd understood the difference between type 1 and type 2 and the importance of technology like the insulin pump and the need for all of us type 1-ers to have as good sugar levels as possible if we are to minimise the risk of complications in the future. He was very understanding when we spoke about my worries of getting more complications in the future. The great thing is that he also appreciates how much extra work having type 1 diabetes is for a kid like me, and how much extra dedication it takes to go on the air cadet camps and keep everything under control.
JDRF: Were you nervous?
Brendan: Very nervous! I was sitting in the middle of the table and everyone was staring at me and wondering why this kid got to sit next to the PM. The other guests were all taking photos and pointing and queuing behind us for an opportunity to get a photo or signature.
JDRF: Did you know you were going to meet him?
Brendan: I knew that if Roger Price had anything to do with it, I would. Mr Price and his staff have always been supportive of me and any JDRF initiative I have been part of, so I did know that my invitation to attend the dinner was special. Mr Rudd and his staff were the ones who make the final decision though, so I am very honoured to have been chosen for such an important occasion.
JDRF: What have the kids at school been saying about it?
Brendan: Sometimes, I don’t think they really believe me! When I came back from the US one of my friends asked jokingly “So, did you meet the President?” and I answered “yes” but was then informed that if I didn’t have dinner with him, it somehow doesn’t count, so when I mentioned having dinner with the PM, the response was “sure, sure”. It’s hard to believe myself, let alone convincing other people that these amazing things are really happening!
JDRF: You looked really great in your suit and tie, did you get the outfit specially for the dinner?
Brendan: Thank you. We did get the suit especially for the occasion, but I think that had something to do with the amount I have grown this year. I grew out of the suit that fitted me perfectly at the White House in June and mum had to take me shopping…again. We did choose the tie especially for this dinner – and it will always be my ‘dinner with the PM’ tie.
JDRF: Now that you’ve meet the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Australia, who’s next?!
[Considering his record, we don't think Brendan is joking! - JDRF]
What an inspiration you are to other children with Type 1, thank-you for educating the public and world leaders.Well done Brendan and Merry Christmas to my fellow JDRF site readers x
Thanks for sharing your experience Brendan. The time you and your family spends in educating others about type 1 is very inspiring. Great job with promoting the work JDRF does! Happy Holidays. Carrie
Well done on being such a good advoacte for kids and carers all over the world who face the daily task of simulating a pancreas via needles or pumps.
Brendan,…was the pm interested in adding the consumables for monitoring BSL's with an insulin pump… did he understand what an impact that would make on the lives of those managing hypos and hypers, and ultimatley complications.
Best of luck with the Queen…Do you mean Dame Edna?
Brendan,
as an older person with Type 1, I feel you are not only doing a great job for kids, but for all of us. Expressing your concerns about managing your health to try and prevent long term complications, and to cope with the more adult world of being a cadet and preparing for a career, let's people know the reality of a `lifetime' of chronic illness. Congratulations on your good work.
Brendan, Well Done! You are an excellent role model for all type 1-ers.
What wonderful opportunities you have had and all to spread the word on what it's like for a person with Type 1 diabetes. Hopefully your message will be heard by the decision makers of the world who will invest a little more money on finding a cure and until then, assisting families with the daily management of this disease.
Karen, I know how proud you are of Brendan, and you should be too. He is a credit to you.
Go Brendan!! What a motivating young person! Very impressive for your age- Have had diabetes since I was 3 years old until today – 23! Constant struggle, thankyou for bringing this to attention, what a great opportunity. keep up the good work and tell the Queen hello for me
Renee Louise*
Well done Brendan! What an inspirational young man you are! Your family must be extremely proud of you.
My mum has had type 1 for 46 years and my youngest son for 12 years. It is so important to tell people just how tough it is living with this disease. But also just how far things have progressed with years of research.
I have to say I am not a Kevin fan but I am impressed that he knew the difference between type 1 & 2 and that you say he was quite knowledgable about the disease. I wish everyone was as well informed!
Once again great job Brendan!
Well done Brendan. Thank you for getting the word out about Type 1. My son was diagnosed 2 years ago and he is now going through the stage of "why do I have this and why can't I be like the other boys". It is good to know that people like you are letting our community know and hopefully they will find a cure soon.
Thank you and good work!!!!