Legislator Tom Reed has been there. In 2006, he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and, in 2013, after gastric bypass surgery, the disease went into remission. Yet, one year, and 110 pounds later, Reed finds himself fighting a similar battle — his son, Will, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of four.

As if that weren’t motivation enough, Reed, as a member of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, is determined, and proud, to represent the 29.1 million Americans currently living with this terrible disease. He, like all of us, wants with all of his heart for a cure to be found. But, until then, he’s made it her personal goal to spread awareness, which begins with his own experiences.

Watch Reed speak about Diabetes Awareness Month, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

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G.D. resides in West Michigan. When he isn’t writing (or editing), you can find him outside, riding a bike, reading a book, or just plain running. Other interests include sports (of any kind), music (again, any kind) and cinema (a bit pickier here).