2011
LeAnne
Arizona 2011Diagnosed at age one, LeAnne spent ages four through six as the Yuma Bikers Against Diabetes Princess, helping to raise money for children with diabetes and to spread awareness in the community. She's volunteered at fundraising events and been interviewed about diabetes for newspaper, radio, and television. Read More
Caroline
California 2011One day, Caroline wants to be a professional soccer player, an artist, an orthodontist, and a mom. She also wants to attend Duke University and drive a yellow sports car. Read More
Cynthia
California 2011When she was diagnosed just before her 11th birthday – the day before her family was supposed to leave for vacation – Cynthia worried about how her life would change. […] Read More
Hayes
California 2011Hayes is living proof that with effort and optimism, change is possible. Strengthened by that positive approach to life, he aspires to be an ambassador one day, to "help bring […] Read More
Jeffrey
California 2011Jeff likes to challenge himself, so when he was diagnosed with type 1 in sixth grade, he knew that in order to continue doing well in school and sports, he […] Read More
Jonathan
California 2011When Jonathan returned to school after being diagnosed at age six, his mother explained diabetes to his classmates. Since then, his entire school has been supportive, and has even raised […] Read More
Joseph
California 2011When Joseph graduates from college, he wants to have a career helping people or animals. In his years before college, however, Joseph is already helping others by spreading awareness about […] Read More
Kaitlyn
California 2011"I am so proud to be a part of JDRF," says Kaitlyn, who wants to be a chapter Executive Director one day. Diagnosed at age two, she is a Youth […] Read More
Lucy
California 2011Lucy and her family are huge advocates for diabetes research. That's because Lucy was diagnosed when she was three, and a year later, her brother, Hayes, was diagnosed at age […] Read More
Michelle
California 2011Michelle, diagnosed at age four, remembers the moment in first grade when she realized she couldn't be totally carefree. While repeatedly climbing up a mountain of snow for toboggan runs […] Read More
Ryan
California 2011Ryan, diagnosed at 16 months old, is interested in a career as a dirt bike rider or entertainment wrestler. But first, he wants to teach people about diabetes and help […] Read More
Ryan
California 2011A poster hangs in the front office of Ryan's endocrinologist, showing Ryan's many activities and proving that he hasn't let diabetes stop him from living. "It took a lot of […] Read More
Sarah
California 2011When she was diagnosed at age 10, Sarah says all she knew about type 1 was that Nick Jonas had it. Since then, she has learned a lot about the […] Read More
Taylor
California 2011"I seem to enjoy everything," says Taylor. She loves school, plays soccer and softball, rides horses, plays piano, and is a Girl Scout, not to mention a whole list of […] Read More
Jack
Connecticut 2011For four years, Jack's best friend, Peter, has kept him company on walks to the school nurse's office to check Jack's blood sugar. Peter and his family also learned a […] Read More
Jamie
Connecticut 2011Jamie has lived with diabetes since the age of one, and is using her experience with the disease to help others and spread awareness. She mentors a newly diagnosed 11-year-old […] Read More
Tess
Connecticut 2011Being active is a big part of Tess's life, whether she's Irish step dancing competitively or participating in Walks with her team, "Trek with Tess," which has raised about $10,000 […] Read More
Caitlin
District of Columbia 2011Although Caitlin sometimes makes sacrifices or adjusts her routine because of diabetes, she says, "There is nothing I can't do because I have diabetes." She has danced in the Nutcracker […] Read More
Christopher
Florida 2011"I am a fighter and I will not let diabetes stop me from doing everything I want to do in life," says Christopher, diagnosed at age 13. A competitive tennis […] Read More
Gabriella (Gabby)
Louisiana 2011Gabby's friends have learned a lot about diabetes, and sometimes they even participate in testing her blood sugar. Diagnosed at age one, Gabby can't remember a life without diabetes, and […] Read More
Jackson
Massachusetts 2011Jackson wants to become a professional hockey player one day, and own his own taekwondo studio. He also enjoys baseball, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, golf, reading adventure series, and collecting sports […] Read More
Jonathan
Massachusetts 2011Jonathan's lived with type 1 diabetes since age two. Unfortunately, he and his entire immediate family know diabetes all too well. His little sister and father also have type 1 […] Read More
Jordan
Massachusetts 2011When Jordan was diagnosed with diabetes at age 11, she already knew all about the disease – both her older brother and her father have type 1 diabetes, and her […] Read More
Joshua
Massachusetts 2011At three years old, Joshua got his first insulin pump and became a delegate in the making when he had his first visit with Congressman Richard Neal. Since then, he […] Read More
Mary
Mississippi 2011Not long after the Muths family endured Hurricane Katrina, Mary started showing symptoms of type 1. Her mother recognized the symptoms because Mary's cousin also has type 1. So Mary […] Read More
Preston
Mississippi 2011Preston is young for a history enthusiast. But then again, Preston's accomplishments – especially in advocating for diabetes research funding – are all impressive, especially for his young age. Read More
Abigail
New Hampshire 2011"I am proud to say that I have not let diabetes beat me," says Abigail, diagnosed at age five. Tragically, she lost an uncle to complications of diabetes, but has […] Read More
Ellen
New Hampshire 2011Elle shines when dancing, singing, and acting – in fact, she has performed in multiple productions at her local professional theater, and aspires to perform on Broadway. Elle was diagnosis […] Read More
Avery
New Jersey 2011Avery remembers closing her eyes whenever her dad checked his blood sugar; she worried that it hurt him to test. He was diagnosed with diabetes at age 13, and his […] Read More
Hannah
New Jersey 2011Since being diagnosed at age six, Hannah has used her type 1 diabetes to inspire others and advocate for research and awareness. She was the poster child for her local […] Read More
Jake
New Jersey 2011Jake’s personal experiences with diabetes – from the feelings of fear and isolation he once felt to the sense of empowerment he gained as he learned to manage his diabetes- […] Read More
John
New Jersey 2011Involved in sports since he was a young child, John has found that having type 1 diabetes as an athlete can be difficult, especially when it comes to helping others […] Read More
Jaxon
New Mexico 2011A yellow belt in karate, Jaxon hopes to earn his black belt one day. He loves to read, is learning to play guitar, and plays soccer, football, and basketball with […] Read More
Ashley
North Carolina 2011Since her diagnosis at age six, Ashley has proven that she can maintain an energetic life with type 1 diabetes. She has won first place at three dance competitions, starred […] Read More
Ethan
North Carolina 2011Ethan loves to be independent. Diagnosed at age two, he was pricking his own fingers and operating his blood sugar meter before age three. He got an insulin pump at […] Read More
Lane
North Carolina 2011If he's not playing baseball, or watching the Yankees, Jets, or Carolina Hurricanes play, you might find Robert reading Harry Potter or fundraising for JDRF. Diagnosed with diabetes at age […] Read More
Emma
North Dakota 2011Emma was diagnosed at age seven, which is the same age at which her older sister, Haley, was diagnosed. "Haley has been a great big sister and type 1 diabetes […] Read More
Haley
North Dakota 2011Haley was diagnosed at age seven, and right away decided to administer her own shots. Still, she felt somewhat alone with the disease until her younger sister, Emma, was diagnosed […] Read More
Ashley
Pennsylvania 2011Though Ashley was only five years old when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, she already knew what it was. Her younger sister, Samantha, had been diagnosed about a […] Read More
Hannah
Pennsylvania 2011Hannah is inspired by people who do not let obstacles like diabetes stop them from living a full life. Diagnosed at age three, she has her eyes set on the […] Read More
Noel
Pennsylvania 2011Noel loves to bake and decorate cakes, and one day would like to become a pastry chef. Just like creating a delicious dessert, spreading awareness of type 1 and raising […] Read More
Samantha
Pennsylvania 2011Samantha spent her first birthday in the hospital, after being diagnosed at 11 months old. Still, says her mother, Samantha is "very good natured and loves to giggle and is […] Read More
Dylan
Rhode Island 2011Dylan has seen first-hand some of the complications of type 1 diabetes, since his father also has the disease. That contributes to Dylan’s strong involvement with JDRF, but his own […] Read More
Emilie
Rhode Island 2011According to her mother, "Emilie's biggest interest at this point in life is people. She is truly a people person and can hold a true conversation with just about anyone." Read More
Hannah
South Carolina 2011Hannah, diagnosed at age eight, encourages members of Congress to put themselves in the shoes of someone with type 1, and maybe even try an insulin pump. She works hard […] Read More
Isabella
South Carolina 2011Isabella always tells people, "I was born to dance!" She's been ballet and tap dancing since she was 22 months old, which was just four months before she was diagnosed […] Read More
Alexander
South Dakota 2011When Alex was diagnosed just before his fourth birthday, the Aman family was already familiar with type 1. Alex's older brother, Sam, had been diagnosed at age two. Read More
Chloe
Washington 2011Chloe's spirit is a force to be reckoned with. Diagnosed at age seven, Chloe was recently adopted by her grandparents, who have been working to raise awareness about the disease. Read More
Kieran
Washington 2011An active athlete, Kieran (nicknamed Kiki) tries not to let his type 1 diabetes slow him down. He enjoys basketball, skiing, and soccer, and is determined to live a fun […] Read More
Sara
Washington 2011Sara is thankful for the support from family and others who have helped her continue to live an active life since her diagnosis at age 11 – from cross-country coaches […] Read More
Jay
West Virginia 2011Though people with type 1 are currently restricted from obtaining a commercial pilot's license, Jay isn't letting that stop him from pursuing his dream. He started a group called "Pilots […] Read More
Diana
International 2011One of Diana's favorite quotes is from Mahatma Gandhi: "Be the change you want to see in the world." As a delegate, she wants to be a link between the […] Read More
Isabella (Billie)
International 2011For her sixth birthday, Billie wished for a magic wand to cure diabetes. When the wand didn't appear, she used what she did have: the ability to take action by […] Read More
Jonas
International 2011Jonas was diagnosed at age six, and says that until he was 10, he let diabetes control his life. At age 10, however, he became part of a trial project […] Read More
Merijn
International 2011After Merijn was diagnosed at age 10, he flew with his parents and sisters to the United States to meet with people from JDRF. Merijn’s father recently started a JDRF […] Read More
Myriam
International 2011Myriam – the first child in Quebec to attend kindergarten with an insulin pump – inspired the development of a French language storybook (endorsed by JDRF) that will help simplify […] Read More
Ohad
International 2011Ohad enjoys staying active, whether he's playing tennis, scoring a goal in soccer, participating in Boy Scouts, or helping to raise awareness about diabetes with his JDRF community. He says […] Read More
William
International 2011"I am a very positive person who tries to do everything to the very best of my ability, and that includes caring for myself and making others aware of type […] Read More