Annalise Mozer's Excellent
Albany Adventure
Annalise Mozer is still a teenager, but the Huntington High School freshman has already enjoyed many amazing opportunities and experiences, including a recent one that involved traveling to Albany as a member of an American Diabetes Association delegation that met with state officials concerning pending legislation.
The ADA invited Ms. Mozer to join the delegation to lend her personal perspective on the benefits of the "School Diabetes Care Bill," officially known as Senate Bill 4473. The group included the ADA's advocacy director, an endocrinologist specializing in diabetes care, two nurses certified as diabetes care educators and three parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes.
The proposed legislation was introduced by local state Senator Carl Marcellino. It is co-sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. The bill seeks to amend state education law in relation to care for pupils with Type 1 Diabetes. If enacted the legislation would allow school staff members to volunteer to be trained to supplement care provided by the school nurse, on those occasions when the nurse cannot be present, including at extended day programs or on field trips.
The bill would ensure that students who are capable of self-managing their diabetes be allowed to do so while in school, with the permission of their parents and clinician. The bill's supporters believe that authorizing self-management is important since it would allow for more responsive and timely diabetes care, which could ultimately result in taking less time away from the classroom and overall academic studies. Similar laws are on the books in 30 states across the country.
Ms. Mozer's involvement in the recent advocacy initiative in the state capital was not just a ceremonial honor. Her presence at various meetings played an integral role in helping to get the message across to state lawmakers that the proposed bill has many benefits.
"Annalise was asked to participate because of her unique position as a student who has been directly impacted by these issues and also because she has been extremely active in her role as a youth ambassador for Type 1 diabetes awareness over the past three years," said Liz Mozer, the freshman's mother.
The teenager's involvement as a youth ambassador has brought her recognition in the form of local, state and federal citations and proclamations, including the Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama.
"Annalise is playing a critical role in advocating for other students with diabetes by educating decision makers about this bill," said Stephen Habbe, advocacy director for the American Diabetes Association. "We are truly grateful for her involvement."
While in Albany, the delegation had a very full schedule, meeting with nine senators and Assembly members in a fast-paced four and a half-hour time-frame. The sessions included conferences with Senate Education Committee Chairman John Flanagan and his Assembly counterpart, Catherine Nolan.
During the delegation's meeting with Senator Flanagan, he was particularly interested in what Ms. Mozer had to say and spent most of the allotted time speaking with and questioning the Huntington freshman directly about her personal experiences and views on these issues.
"It was an intense and extremely busy day, but one that was well worth our time," Ms. Mozer said. "It seemed that the senators and Assembly members with whom we met had a positive response to our advocacy efforts. I was so proud to be a part of such an important cause. It made me feel like my presence there was making a real difference."
In addition to the nine scheduled meetings, Ms. Mozer was invited on a private tour of both the Senate and Assembly chambers while they were in session and even got a peek at Governor Andrew Cuomo's office in the state legislative building.
Ms. Mozer was personally invited up to Senate chamber's dais by Senator Marcellino. She was especially thrilled when Mr. Marcellino handed her the official Senate gavel, which made for a once in a lifetime photo op.
"It was a pleasure to meet Annalise in Albany and have her advocate for the legislation that I am sponsoring," Mr. Marcellino said. "Together we can continue to keep fighting to secure better outcomes for students that are living with diabetes, and stop creating needless barriers to students who independently and appropriately manage their care. I look forward to the passage of this legislation, so we can lessen the impact that diabetes has on our students."
The Huntington freshman considered the Albany "adventure" a great success. "The hands-on education that Annalise got from this opportunity was immeasurable, and the introduction to our state's legislative process was a priceless learning experience," said the teenager's mother. "It was a day that I'm sure she'll never forget and will look back on with great pride."
"I was truly in awe of everything that I had the privilege to see, do, and learn," Ms. Mozer said. "To be right there in the heart of where our state's laws are made, and to quite possibly have made a difference, was an extraordinary, energizing and inspiring experience!"