Whiz Kid: Chaminade Junior Heading to D.C.

Jack Terschluse has been selected to the 2011 Children’s Congress, sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). As a representative of Missouri, Terschluse will join other children who have diabetes as they testify in a Congressional hearing about Type 1 diabetes. The group will travel to Washington, D.C. on June 20.

“I applied and was selected to the Children’s Congress. This opportunity allows me to help raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes by testifying before Congress. I’ll meet with (Rep.) Todd Akin, and Senators McCaskill and Blunt,” Jack said.

Jack was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, in 2005. The disease results from a deficiency of insulin caused as the pancreas stops producing enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

The JDRF served as a comfort and inspiration for Jack after he received his diagnosis. The organization provided support and information which calmed his anxiety about diabetes. He was motivated to assist the JDRF in raising funds for research and support of others with Type 1 diabetes. Jack participates in many JDRF events. He speaks about diabetes at corporate events and serves as a volunteer and mentor to other youth with Type 1 diabetes. For the past six years, Jack has participated in the annual Walk to Cure Diabetes. The walk is a fundraising event held by JDRF to support research for a cure.

His physician, Santosh Gupta, encouraged him to write letters of encouragement to children with diabetes in her native country, India. She described Jack as a role model for young people. Gupta recently retired and travels to India to treat children and seek funding for her work. Jack continues to write letters to these children.

“Children with diabetes in India are viewed as unwanted and a liability to their family,” Jack said. “I write to these kids to remind them that diabetes is a common disease and to offer hope.”

In order to treat his diabetes, Jack wears an insulin pump to help him maintain his blood glucose level. The pump allows him to avoid injections and to lead an active life. 

Diabets has not kept Jack on the sidelines. He has been the swim and water polo teams since he was a freshman. He is co-editor of Chaminade’s student newspaper and a member of the yearbook staff. As an honor student, he has received three scholarships.

College is approaching and Jack is considering several schools. He plans to study English or economics at Washington University or Vanderbilt and eventually earn a law degree.

“I want to encourage kids with Type 1 to be involved in their care and not to be ashamed about this disease. There is no reason to have a negative attitude. Stay hopeful. There is a cure. Research points to a cure within five years,” he said.

Jack is the son of Jim and Amy Terschluse. His younger brother, Joe, is in sixth grade at Chaminade.