Emily was 14 years old when she was diagnosed, and she decided early on that the challenges of type 1 would not define her life. "Instead, I have chosen to manage this disease and its requirements and make it part of who I am," she says.

Emily was 14 years old when she was diagnosed, and she decided early on that the challenges of type 1 would not define her life. "Instead, I have chosen to manage this disease and its requirements and make it part of who I am," she says. The discipline and dedication it takes to manage her health are the same characteristics that Emily pours into other parts of her life. She is at the top of her class in school, and aspires to become a doctor. Emily participates in JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes, and has volunteered at a JDRF golf fundraiser. "I want to show Congress that JDRF is accomplishing a lot and that they are…putting [money] to good use," she says. Emily's hobbies include golf, tennis, sewing, knitting, and jewelry making.