Commissioners' court proclaimed October 25, 2012 as South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association Day in Hidalgo County. Sofia Mollick and Hannah Salinas, both of whom suffer from diabetes, addressed Commissioners' Court about their daily struggle with the disease and how it has affected their lives from a young age. The girls encouraged members of the court to learn more about diabetes and how it affects not only adults, but children as well. Debra Franco, President of the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA), also spoke to the court about the importance of educating the community on diabetes. Franco's son was diagnosed with diabetes at an early age and she started STJDA as a way to encourage other young children and teens with the disease, as well as their parents, to become advocates and help educate the community about diabetes. Several children and parents who are members of STJDA were also present to receive the proclamation.