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 is perhaps Brandon’s greatest accomplishment. “I am most proud of being strong and not letting type 1 diabetes rule me.” Brandon participates in JDRF Walks, has held a pizza fundraiser benefiting his local chapter, and has promoted National Diabetes Awareness Month through posting facts and pictures each day via social media. “I want you to know that I won’t let this disease win,” says Brandon. He is attending JDRF Children’s Congress “to make a difference for others who have T1D and for the many who don’t understand it.” Brandon hopes to become a nurse and diabetes educator when he grows up.