2015

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Having TID can be scary. But, as Brooklynn says, “It’s how you deal with that fear that defines you. In my case, I... Read More

Charles

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

When Charlie grows up, he wants to become a mechanical engineer and “work on solving the problems of our ever changing world.” He’s... Read More

Claire

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Claire, who was diagnosed as a young child, says T1D “has always been part of my life.” But technological advances have evolved as... Read More

Delilah

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Delilah remembers the day she was diagnosed. “It was very scary,” she says, “it was a lot to learn.” Yet Delilah has turned... Read More

Grace

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Grace participated in a JDRF Walk about 10 years before she was even diagnosed with T1D—she walked to support her brother, who was... Read More

Hunter

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Hunter is reaching new heights… and it’s not just because he’s an accomplished pole vaulter. (He even taught himself to vault!) Hunter has... Read More

Jackson

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Can you imagine a restaurant designed for people with T1D? Jackson can. He loves going out to eat but is sometimes frustrated that... Read More

Jacob

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

From speech and debate, to robotics and programming, to lacrosse and cycling, Jacob’s passions are as diverse as his many commitments to T1D... Read More

John

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

An avid baseball player, John has played for as long as he can remember on school, little league, all–star and travel teams. “I... Read More

Joseph

Age: 6 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Joseph has some serious fundraising chops. His JDRF Walk team was the second–highest fundraising team in his local JDRF chapter, raising almost $15,000 in... Read More

Laura

Age: 6 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Laura is a hard worker: She helps her dad on their family ranch, and when she grows up, she wants to become a... Read More

Louise

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Louise, who loves reading, writing, drawing and listening to music, has reached a number of impressive goals. “Accomplishments I’m especially proud of include... Read More

Madeleine

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Maddy tells an inspiring story about sharing her experience with T1D: “I gave a short speech at the Imagine Gala about how I... Read More

Olivia

District of Columbia, 2015

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Olivia has Olympic–sized dreams: A talented ice skater, she won two first–place medals in her first competition. “My mom said she was extra... Read More

David

Colorado, 2015

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

David is in good company managing his T1D—his older brother was diagnosed with the disease nearly 12 years before David learned he had... Read More

Michael

Colorado, 2015

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Michael isn’t alone in the struggle against T1D. “I have watched my friends, cousin and my brother diagnosed and struggle the same way... Read More

Olivia

Colorado, 2015

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

“Diabetes has thrown me some challenges over the last ten years,” says Olivia. “But my parents have always taught me that I can... Read More

Claire

Connecticut, 2015

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Every kid living with T1D is brave, and Claire is certainly no exception. She’s already participated in three clinical trials, including one on... Read More

Robert

Connecticut, 2015

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Marshall’s entire family is dedicated to JDRF advocacy. Together, they’ve organized a JDRF Walk, rallying friends and family under the team name “Marshall’s... Read More

Sadie

Delaware, 2015

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Education is important to Sadie—especially educating the public about what it means to have T1D. “It is amazing how few people know about... Read More

Ayame

Age: 6 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Aya has only had T1D for about a year, but she is already an avid advocate for research and innovation. On National T1D... Read More

Cassandra

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Cassandra is truly a JDRF pioneer. Along with her mom and grandma, she helped start six JDRF Walks in her local community, raising... Read More

Hannah

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Hannah is a born leader, certified scuba instructor and JV lacrosse player. As a member of Star Leadership, she has worked on solutions... Read More

Hannah

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

Hannah makes the most of each moment. A competitive dancer who practices 15–plus hours weekly (she has placed in the top 10 in... Read More

Maguire

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Maguire is a gifted guitarist. He’s been taking lessons since he was nine, and dreams of becoming a musician or composer. “It is... Read More

Nick

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Nick is good with numbers. Now in his eighth year of having T1D, he calculates that he’s undergone about 70,080 hours living with the... Read More

Rush

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Rush is attending JDRF Children’s Congress because he has high hopes for a cure. “This is a nation that makes great things happen.... Read More

Uma

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

An avid reader and talented artist (she especially loves drawing and painting), Uma was diagnosed with T1D just last year. Yet she and... Read More

Mary Morgan

Georgia, 2015

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

“I’m learning that when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade,” says Mary Morgan. “Sugar–free lemonade, that is!” Her sunny disposition gets... Read More

Robert (Bobby)

Georgia, 2015

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

For Bobby, a cure for T1D would mean one thing: Game time! “There is so much hope that someday I can just keep... Read More

David

Hawaii, 2015

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

David is living proof that T1D technology is life–changing. He received his first CGM six months after his T1D diagnosis, and later was... Read More

Kennedy

Idaho, 2015

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Kennedy is a blue ribbon–winning member of 4–H, a swim team member and an aspiring gymnast. She is also an experienced advocate for... Read More

Cooper

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

While Cooper is grateful for his insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor, he’s holding out hope for a cure. “In some ways diabetes... Read More

Emily

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

All of the kids in Emily’s family live with T1D. Emily, her older sister and her younger brother have all been diagnosed with... Read More

Mason

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11 months

Mason believes T1D is nothing to shelter others from: “I don’t hide my disease,” he says. “I check my blood sugar in... Read More

Quinn

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Quinn loves the limelight. She has written a screenplay, “Super Duper Low,” about T1D, which was made into a movie that “teaches kids... Read More

Thomas

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 13

Golf, track, wrestling, half–marathon running: Tommy tackles sports, and his T1D, head–on. “Since my diagnosis, I have jumped into managing my type 1... Read More

Aidan

Indiana, 2015

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

With his younger brother recently diagnosed with T1D, Aidan is attending JDRF Children’s Congress with a renewed determination for a cure. “My family... Read More

John Christian

Indiana, 2015

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Baseball, basketball, Boy Scouts, spelling bees: Christian certainly knows how to keep himself busy! Receiving his T1D diagnosis at age 9, he has... Read More

Sorin

Indiana, 2015

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

“I am proud of the fact that I don’t let T1D define who I am,” says Sorin. Like all kids with T1D, Sorin... Read More

Blake

Iowa, 2015

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Blake wants to give back, perhaps by becoming an endocrinologist someday. His first goal is to help others. “I dream to make a... Read More

Sofie

Iowa, 2015

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

One of Sofie’s greatest achievements also represents two of her passions: public speaking and T1D advocacy. As a ninth–grader, she participated in an... Read More

Sierra

Kansas, 2015

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

At just 4 years old, Sierra decided to stop eating once she realized that her meals went hand in hand with getting those... Read More

Joseph Drake

Kentucky, 2015

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Balancing T1D can be difficult at any age, but especially for a busy teenager. Just ask Drake, who is captain of a top... Read More

Marina

Kentucky, 2015

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Marina isn’t sure what she wants to be when she grows up, but she does know that she wants to make a difference... Read More

Mary Rose

Kentucky, 2015

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

“Spreading awareness of this disease is key to the discovery of a cure,” says Mary. She witnessed the power of awareness in action... Read More

Lydia

Louisiana, 2015

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Lydia has high hopes for the future. “Right now, my future is exciting!” she says. She wants to become a preschool teacher someday.... Read More

Max

Louisiana, 2015

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Despite T1D’s obstacles, Max says he’s thankful. “I feel very lucky that I get wonderful care from my doctors, and I believe that... Read More

Isabelle

Maine, 2015

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Isabelle is known for her contagious smile and positive attitude. Awarded the 2013 James Carpenter Courage Award, her school’s award, for her sunny... Read More

Mark

Maine, 2015

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Marky is attending JDRF Children’s Congress to help fill the “jar.” As his mom says, Marky recently asked her, “Is the jar almost... Read More

Chase

Maryland, 2015

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

This is Chase’s second year serving as a Youth Ambassador for JDRF with his sister, who also lives with T1D. The siblings have... Read More

Kiara

Maryland, 2015

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Technology has changed Kiara’s life. Both Kiara and her brother Chase began using the Animas Ping Pump in 2013, which means the two... Read More

Jeffrey

Massachusetts, 2015

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Jeffrey hasn’t always had T1D, but he has always had a love for hockey. He received his first pair of skates the day... Read More

Brandon

Michigan, 2015

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Playing hockey, being outside, shoveling, watching hockey games, playing video games and playing basketball with friends are Brandon’s favorite activities. But battling T1D... Read More

Nasir

Michigan, 2015

Age: 6 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Not only is Nasir a gifted linguist—he taught himself the basics of Japanese and Spanish, through online tutorials by the time he was... Read More

Royal (Rollie)

Michigan, 2015

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

T1D impacted Rollie’s life long before he discovered he had the disease—both his brother and his father had already been diagnosed with T1D.... Read More

Abbie

Minnesota, 2015

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 13

Abbie knows all about innovation. She’s starting a nonprofit, called PAb’s Packs, with her friend Pia, who was diagnosed with lymphoma. “We both... Read More

Dominik

Minnesota, 2015

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Managing T1D has taught Dominik the values of dedication and commitment in all aspects of life. An avid ice hockey player, he reflects... Read More

Landen

Minnesota, 2015

Age: 4 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Thanks to his CGM and insulin pump, Landen attends regular preschool. Even with these advances in technology, Landen has been hospitalized seven times,... Read More

Drew

Mississippi, 2015

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Considering becoming either a computer engineer for Nintendo or a history professor, Drew is already well on the way to aligning his passions... Read More

Cooper

Mississippi, 2015

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Diagnosed just a few months after his twin brother Drew received word that he had T1D, Cooper already “knew what I was in... Read More

Amelia

Missouri, 2015

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Despite T1D’s daily challenges, Amelia has a lot of gratitude. “Thankfully I was diagnosed after Frederick Banting discovered insulin. Thankfully I was diagnosed... Read More

Ethan

Missouri, 2015

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

“Last year at the JDRF family retreat, there was a speaker who said that I should ‘make diabetes the best thing that has... Read More

Shea

Missouri, 2015

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Ever notice that ubiquitous JDRF sneaker magnet on a car bumper? You have Shea to thank for raising awareness, one car at a... Read More

Taite

Montana, 2015

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Taite doesn’t just speak for himself; he’s attending JDRF Children’s Congress to represent his little brother and all kids who have T1D. “Type... Read More

Trevor

Montana, 2015

Age: 5 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Swimming, basketball, soccer and pre–school: Trevor is one busy little boy. Along with his family, including his older brother Taite who also has... Read More

Molly

Nebraska, 2015

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Like many kids who found out they had T1D at a very young age, Molly can’t recall the day she was diagnosed. Or,... Read More

Nolan

Nebraska, 2015

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Nolan loves giving back: he works on service projects with his family and his church, helps package meals to send to the hungry,... Read More

Patsy

Nebraska, 2015

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Patsy was already familiar with T1D before she received her diagnosis. Her older brother Nolan, who is also attending JDRF Children’s Congress, was... Read More

Blake

Nevada, 2015

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Blake’s passions are diverse: playing classic rock on his guitar (Metallica, the Beatles and Oingo Boingo are among his favorite bands), collecting new,... Read More

Juno

Nevada, 2015

Age: 5 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11 months

When Juno was 11 months old, she was the youngest person in the state of Nevada with T1D. Now, a confident kindergartener,... Read More

Kendall

Nevada, 2015

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Honor roll student and JDRF Speakers Bureau member Kendall’s true passion is basketball. As a starter for his middle school team as well... Read More

Skye

New Hampshire, 2015

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Skye has already reached a number of her goals. She’s an honor student, field hockey player and tae kwon do martial artist, and... Read More

Aaron

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

A founding member of the First Lego League, his school’s first–ever robotics team, Aaron is also a talented tennis player. He raises funds... Read More

John

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Jack is a powerhouse: He’s an accomplished actor (you might have caught him in the TV show Royal Pains), an avid tennis player,... Read More

Joshua

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

What do T1D and golf, Joshua’s favorite sport, have in common? More than you’d think. “Diabetes and golf are both games of numbers.... Read More

Lila

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

“Even though I don’t like having diabetes,” says Lila, “I have met some really good friends who I can talk to about diabetes.”... Read More

Sean

Age: 6 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Sean was diagnosed with T1D at only 2 years old, which, his mom says, forced him to “gain strength that he was too... Read More

Emma

New Mexico, 2015

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Emma is no stranger to sharing her story. The ten–year–old has already told her Congresswoman and Senator all about her T1D, and each... Read More

Analeigh

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Analeigh draws her strength from her swim team experience. Her signature event is a 20–lap race. “So many people are impressed when they... Read More

Ashley

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Award–winning advocate Ashley has earned honors from the Pediatric Diabetes Program at Winthrop University for her “tireless effort and support of children with... Read More

Ben

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Ben knows the power of pairs when it comes to managing T1D. He founded Ben’s Friends Buddy Program, affiliated with the JDRF New... Read More

Evan

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Evan’s made the front page! He was featured in the Wall Street Journal last year for his contributions to T1D technology. Evan himself... Read More

Jessica

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Jessica dives headfirst into all her activities: Model UN, crew and the Girls Learn International Club. A certified scuba diver, Jessica has been... Read More

Kaelyn

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

“My type 1 diabetes does not stop me from doing anything,” declares Kaelyn. “I know, because Mom and Dad tell me that I... Read More

Mathias

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Mathias and his sister founded Sweet Siblings (sweetsiblings.org), a site available in English and Spanish that helps newly diagnosed kids and teens and... Read More

Rowan

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Although Rowan wasn’t diagnosed until recently, she has been involved with JDRF from the very beginning. Her older brother learned that he had... Read More

Ryan

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 16

A natural leader, Ryan is a senior cadet in a JROTC program with the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, where he oversees... Read More

Zacharey

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

“I have not stopped doing the things I love or stopped living since my diagnosis,” proudly states Zack. “It has motivated me to... Read More

Andrew

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Andrew’s participation in JDRF Children’s Congress isn’t his first foray into politics. He has served as both vice president and president of his... Read More

Rachel

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

“I’ve appreciated my life, both the good and bad, so much more as a chronically ill young person than I ever could have... Read More

Stella

Age: 4 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Stella was diagnosed with T1D just a few days after her third birthday. As her mom explains, “JDRF is her advocate, as well... Read More

Stephen

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

“I do believe that if we continue to work together,” says Stephen, “one day diabetes will no longer exist. I try every day... Read More

Trinity

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Trinity doesn’t just wish for a cure, she works for it. For the last four years, she has asked her friends to bring... Read More

Turner

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

“The marathon JDRF has been running is closing in on the finish line,” says Turner, “but every extra donation can only succeed in... Read More

Annelise

North Dakota, 2015

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Annelise’s enthusiasm is downright contagious. “A cure would affect my life and my family’s lives so much!” she says. “I’ve gotten 6,376 shots... Read More

Anna

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Anna stays active with tennis, track and ski racing. Her proudest accomplishments include placing second in a half marathon, qualifying for the New... Read More

Cameron

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

The ball’s in Cameron’s court! An accomplished tennis player, Cameron plays twice a week, and competes on a travel tennis team. He also... Read More

Carter

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Carter is the third member of his family to have T1D; his father and grandfather were both diagnosed with the disease, too. Luckily,... Read More

Isabella

Age: 4 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Isabella is a triplet, but she’s also entirely one of a kind. The only one in her family with T1D, Isabella’s family says... Read More

Jackson

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Jackson already has plenty of experience spreading the word about T1D awareness. He has recently served as Northwest Ohio’s Youth Ambassador, as well... Read More

Connor

Oklahoma, 2015

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Connor claims that he’s just an average kid, who loves Legos and Minecraft. But he’s actually an extraordinary boy. A basketball and soccer... Read More

Emma

Oklahoma, 2015

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Dancing, wakeboarding, tubing and swimming keep Emma busy. She loves ballet and jazz (she takes classes twice a week), and in the summer... Read More

Annika

Oregon, 2015

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Like many kids living with T1D, Annika is hopeful for a cure. Just for today, though, she would be content with new advances... Read More

Ewan

Oregon, 2015

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Ewan knows firsthand just how much technology can help a kid with T1D. He has an insulin pump, and recently started using a... Read More

Henry

Oregon, 2015

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Summiting Mount St. Helens and managing T1D are two of Henry’s coolest achievements. But, as Henry explains, there are plenty more. “Some of... Read More

Ethan

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Ethan has been supporting JDRF both on the field and from the sidelines. When his dad ran the New York City Marathon on... Read More

Evan

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

“With my family and friends helping me to get through it, I have made it!” says Evan of his life post–diagnosis. “It has... Read More

Julia

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Julia arrives at JDRF Children’s Congress with a fire in her belly. “I will not simply stand back and watch other people try... Read More

Kathryn

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Kathryn loves writing, babysitting, singing and acting; and has performed in both Cats and The Music Man. “I am proud of the fact... Read More

Madyson

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Madyson is hopeful for what evolving technology can do for T1D. After her diagnosis, she recalls, “I was giving myself shots via insulin... Read More

Jordan

Rhode Island, 2015

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

“I am one person out of the millions of others in this country, but I have learned that one voice can make a... Read More

Anna

South Carolina, 2015

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Type 1 diabetes has influenced Anna’s career dreams. “Before I was diagnosed with type I diabetes, I wanted to be a teacher,” she... Read More

Katherine

South Carolina, 2015

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Katie and her family, along with other local families, instituted JDRF Walks in their community of Hilton Head in 2013. “It has paid... Read More

Madeline

South Dakota, 2015

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Madeline is singing her heart out on behalf of T1D awareness. The talented crooner has performed the national anthem each year for the... Read More

Evie

Tennessee, 2015

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Evie isn’t attending JDRF Children’s Congress just for herself; she’s here to advocate for her younger brother Daniel, too. Daniel was born with... Read More

Owen

Tennessee, 2015

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

As Owen puts it, “My life has truly been shaped by diabetes but not controlled by [it]. … I enjoy getting involved in... Read More

Sherman

Tennessee, 2015

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

DJ is a seasoned public speaker who has addressed crowds at two JDRF Walk events and at Walk meetings, participated in five JDRF... Read More

Berkeley

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

In addition to volunteering with her local JDRF office and raising an impressive $50,000 through JDRF Walks, Berkeley worked as a teen counselor... Read More

Cheney

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Thrill–seeking Cheney loves riding WaveRunners (“I think she hit 48 mph last summer on a crystal–smooth Geneva Lake in Wisconsin,” says her dad,... Read More

Elizabeth

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Elizabeth doesn’t let T1D slow her down one bit! She is an avid and competitive dancer who loves performing jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary—and... Read More

Grant

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Grant is translating his love of languages into impressive advocacy work. As a two–year National Spanish Exam gold medalist and secretary of his... Read More

Intisar

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Intisar believes it takes a village to improve life with T1D. “I strongly believe that it takes a community and, indeed, the nation... Read More

Jacquelyn

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Tumbling, tennis and T1D: Jacquelyn does it all. Diagnosed as a toddler, Jacquelyn has a twin sister who also lives with the disease.... Read More

Jillian

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Jillian was diagnosed with T1D years after her identical twin sister Jacquelyn discovered she had the disease. Together, Jillian and her family raise... Read More

Katherine

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

“From low blood sugars to high blood sugars, and illness to excitement, and so many other things, I had to just keep my... Read More

Kathryn

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Kathryn is passionate about the up–and–coming advances in T1D technology. “New technology would allow for a lot more freedom, something I was never... Read More

Leah

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Tennis player, artist, singer, honor roll student and video game expert are just a few ways to describe Leah. She also lives with... Read More

Will

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 15

Will has a mind for business. He recently attended a Cornell University summer business program, and earned a spot in the top 5... Read More

Camryn

Utah, 2015

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Camryn and her older sister Katherine share more than their T1D diagnoses; the sisters have also embarked on a crusade to advance T1D... Read More

Emily

Utah, 2015

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Emily’s photography has already earned accolades—and it has also highlighted life with T1D. Emily shot a photo showcasing “30 days of diabetes supplies... Read More

Emma

Vermont, 2015

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Emma has a lot to be proud of: She loves going to school, dancing competitively and advocating for T1D awareness. But she says... Read More

Alexis

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 13

“I absolutely love telling people my story,” says Alexis. And what a story it is: Diagnosed at age 13, she has already endured... Read More

Anna

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Anna knows firsthand what it’s like to be part of a movement: Not only has she delivered the keynote address at the JDRF... Read More

Catherine

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

When Catherine received her first pump in second grade, she told friends “it was a cool, secret gadget that only the best children... Read More

Peter

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

En garde, T1D! Peter, an award–winning fencer, is now rallying his defenses against the disease. Diagnosed just last year, Peter plans to return... Read More

Brynn

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Living with T1D for Brynn is a family affair: Both her father and her older sister also have the disease. Spreading awareness is... Read More

Caroline

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Caroline is involved in her community as a tutor for second graders, a volunteer at a senior residence and through her work with... Read More

Hannah

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Hannah overcame the initial impact of being diagnosed with T1D to develop an impressive advocacy effort. She recalls “I was shocked at first,... Read More

Jackson

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Jackson has lived with T1D for a decade now and, today, he wants one thing: freedom. “I want freedom to be a kid... Read More

Makaila

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Makaila is very mindful of the burdens of T1D—her father has the disease and she was diagnosed at just 16 months old.... Read More

Paige

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

“I find that when I am creating, I feel most comfortable,” says Paige. Drawing, painting, and writing songs, skits and plays are just... Read More

Noelle

West Virginia, 2015

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7 months

Noelle is an active athlete, choir member and a fervent advocate. Her experience on a competitive travel soccer team has taught her... Read More

Cara

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

Cara has gold–medal goals. As a competitive figure skater and national silver medalist skater with a synchronized skating team, she also knows a... Read More

Jack

Age: 6 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Jack loves his life. His many favorite hobbies include cooking, eating, skiing, surfing, soccer, traveling and reading. And he has the same zest... Read More

Keira

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Keira loves cooking, dance and baking. In fact, she’d like to own her own bakery when she grows up. In the meantime, she... Read More

Sophia

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Sophia is one passionate proponent of the cause. “I’ve been a part of JDRF’s Promise to Remember Me Campaign for four years in... Read More

Stella

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

“I’m proud of myself because anything I set my mind to, I accomplish,” proudly says Stella. Take biking and unicycling, for instance. “I... Read More

Bryce

Wyoming, 2015

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Bryce’s dreams are taking flight. As a member of Civil Air Patrol, a nonprofit associated with the U.S. Air Force that helps with... Read More

Shelby

Wyoming, 2015

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Shelby was diagnosed with T1D when she was five, but she’s long been familiar with T1D. Her grandmother and father have the disease,... Read More

Daan

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

When Daan’s not spreading awareness about T1D, he enjoys tennis, skateboarding, gaming, drawing and making videos. After a scary allergic reaction to a... Read More

Emma

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Emma—or Emmz as her friends call her—has been a powerhouse for promoting T1D awareness since she was first diagnosed at age 7. She... Read More

Gal

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Gal enjoys riding horses, playing basketball and sharing her experience with T1D. When she was diagnosed, she worried what her friends would think,... Read More

Jack

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

After his first JDRF Walk, Jack served as a JDRF Walk Ambassador and created “Team Jack of Hearts,” the largest JDRF Walk team... Read More

Kamilla

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Kamilla loves dancing, acting and hanging out with her best friend Johanna, who makes her forget all about diabetes. To help advance T1D... Read More

Millie