Even our daughter Nikki has helped the cause by writing to our
Congressman, Robert Wexler. All voices are heard, and the more voices there are, the
closer we get to our goal.
Dear Congressman Wexler,
Thank you for seeing me and my family while we were in Washington, D.C. I have had
Diabetes for 3 years and I hope they find a cure soon so no other children get Diabetes
like I did. My Mom and Dad have been working really hard to help make that happen. I was
very happy to meet you. Thank you also for helping me and my friends in school because
most people don't understand what it is like to have Diabetes. It is not fun. I just want
to be like all the other kids my age. Please help me fight for a cure. Your kids are lucky
to have a Dad like you. Thank you very much, I know you are a busy man.
Love, Nikki Wagner
ROBERT WEXLER
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
19th DISTRICT, FLORIDA
March 9, 1999
Dr. Art Johnson
3300 Forest Hill Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Dear Dr. Johnson:
I would like to bring to your attention difficulties experienced by families of children
with diabetes who attend the public school system. I believe it is a matter of utmost
importance which should be addressed by the School Board.
I met with Debbi and Jeff Wagner whose daughter has experienced problems with personnel in
the school system as a result of her diabetes. It appears that many individuals, including
some teachers, are unaware of the medical regimen or the lifestyle requirements that
children with diabetes must meet in order to lead healthy lives. As you know, the
Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted in order to guarantee
education for individuals with disabilities, and in particular, pay special attention to
the needs of disabled individuals and provide appropriate accommodations. I am enclosing
information provided by the Wagners which may be useful to the School Board as a guide for
teachers or school personnel who deal with diabetic students. You may also wish to contact
Debbi or Jeff at XXX-XXX-XXXX to further discuss ways to help children with
life-threatening illnesses to lead fulfilling lives and succeed in school.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
With warm regards,
Robert Wexler
RW:ec
Enclosure
cc: Paulette Burdick
Jody Gleason
William Montgomery
Sandra Richmond
ROBERT WEXLER
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
19th DISTRICT, FLORIDA
May 14, 1999
Ms. Nicole Wagner
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Dear Nicole:
Thank you for your very kind note. It was wonderful getting to know you and your family.
I commend your family's efforts to educate the school system to the needs of children with
diabetes. I will do everything I can to obtain more funding for diabetes research in
Congress, and will work with both the Broward and Palm Beach County School Boards to
ensure that diabetic children are not discriminated against in the school system.
Good luck in your studies!
Your friend,
Robert Wexler