Age: 9
Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

When life handed him lemons, Matthew didn’t just make lemonade—he started his T1D advocacy! Sweet Rush Lemonade Stand, founded by Matthew and his twin brother, earned $409 for JDRF on its opening day. Matthew comes to Children’s Congress to share his sunny optimism and “a personal story and a face to type 1 diabetes, to encourage [Members of Congress] to be advocates for kids like me.”

Both Matthew’s sister and twin brother have the antibodies for T1D, meaning that they are at risk for developing the disease. The family has advocated increased research funding by organizing a JDRF Kid’s Walk at Matthew’s school as well as a wine tasting and silent auction to benefit the cure. Matthew enjoys hiking, playing soccer, and making art. He would like to be an artist when he grows up.