Inspired by a nurse who made her laugh and took care of her when she was diagnosed at age eight, Riley wants to pursue a career as an intensive care unit nurse. "I want to do for other children what she did for me," she says.

Inspired by a nurse who made her laugh and took care of her when she was diagnosed at age eight, Riley wants to pursue a career as an intensive care unit nurse. "I want to do for other children what she did for me," she says. Riley is training to be a diabetes camp counselor and has helped raise over $50,000 with her JDRF Walk team, met with her congressman to encourage support, and given interviews about diabetes in newspapers and on Comcast TV. She feels lucky to have her support system and has found ways to stay positive amid the difficulties of diabetes. Riley enjoys dancing, playing guitar, creating art, and jogging. She wants to spread awareness of diabetes to as many people as possible, "because the more people that understand," she says, "the more people there are to try and help."