Age: 14
Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Ben is an enthusiastic (rising) ninth grader who loves musical theater, debate, and playing board games. They are also passionate about sustainability and led the sustainability club at their middle school. Ben also helped create an elective class on sustainability, specifically rewilding. During this course, students researched native plants and replanted a section of the school’s garden.

Ben also enjoys doing math both at school and outside of school and has participated in many math competitions. Shortly after Ben’s diagnosis, they were excited to share with their classmates the use of math in the everyday lives of people with T1D. They created a presentation for their class about insulin dose calculations and carb counting. Prior to using an insulin pump, Ben was excited to code an Excel sheet with formulas to calculate their insulin dosages, from bolus to corrections.

“Young Teen Advocates for T1D Advancement”, San Marino Tribune, 5/8/2025