Age: 17
Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Ava is an avid runner and swimmer who lifeguards and teaches swim lessons when not consumed with schoolwork. As an aspiring lawyer, she is a varsity member of her High School Mock Trial Club, which has qualified for State this year. In her downtime, she spends time with her diabetic-alert dog, Abbott, her younger sister Lilly, and her parents.

Ava was diagnosed just before her 6th birthday at a routine wellness exam. A vigilant pediatrician noticed some signs of concern and found that Ava’s sugar was testing off the meter. After spending three days at Seattle Children’s Hospital receiving a crash course in T1D, she set off on her new normal. Ten years later, T1D doesn’t stop Ava from living a full and rich life, and it will never hold her back from going after her goals.