Age: 11
Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Diagnosed less than a year after her older sister (Emma), Anna was only two years old when her T1D was discovered and only two and a half when she began testing her own blood sugar. In the years since, this young advocate, her equally inspiring older sister, and their family have met with Members of Congress, participated in Essentia Health’s Diabetes Family Advisory Council and in Nursing Skills clinics, and spoken out in support of healthcare reform.

Anna is an honors student and an accomplished athlete. She is going for her tae kwon do black belt—having achieved a low blue belt—and for the last three years, she has won her age division in local downhill ski races. She next has her sights set on raising awareness for continued support and funding of T1D research to find a cure.