Age: 14
Age at T1D diagnosis: 13

Tylar’s lifelong desire was always to join the military. Even though his diagnosis with T1D last year means that his first dream may not happen, Tylar wasted no time in committing himself to another honorable goal: fighting for a cure and clarifying what T1D is for people who don’t know. “My family and I have been telling as many people as we can exactly what type 1 diabetes is, so that they know the difference. Like my mom always says, ‘Knowledge is power.’”

One of Tylar’s greatest accomplishments so far is achieving the rank of Private First Class in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. He also enjoys swimming, playing football and basketball, and reading. Tylar hopes to continue his fight for a cure by sharing his story and being an advocate for T1D research at Children’s Congress.