Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Stretching boundaries comes easily for Austin, a competitive cyclist who rides hundreds of miles each week. “I push myself to limits not just for me, but for all of those living with type 1 diabetes,” he explains. “Cycling has given me a chance to own my disease and show others anything is possible.” In addition to participating in the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes, Austin has also attended a talent camp for the Novo Nordisk professional cycling team. His cycling race team even organizes an annual event that donates all funds raised to JDRF. What propels him forward? “The hardest part for me is the lack of education about the disease,” says Austin. “That lack of knowledge is what drives me and pushes me to change this disease.”