Age: 17
Age at Diagnosis: 3

Maddie doesn’t remember what her life before being diagnosed with T1D was like, but she does remember her dad (who also lives with T1D, along with her brother) telling her that she was strong enough to handle it. She has worked hard to spread awareness and advocate for a cure by meeting with Members of Congress, fundraising for JDRF One Walk and participating in a clinical trial. Maddie says that advances in technology like continuous glucose monitors CGMs and insulin pumps have “greatly improved the life of my entire family,” and she wants to ensure that T1D research progress continues and that T1D tech is more accessible.

Maddie enjoys playing soccer, creative writing, and singing as a part of her school’s Madrigal singing group. She volunteers as part of an afterschool program where she tutors elementary school students in reading and math, and would love to write fiction or work at a publishing company when she’s older.

“Arlington youth serving as advocate for diabetes research,” GazetteLeader, July 2, 2023