Age: 14
Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Everyone in Knoxville knows Clayton, from his many appearances on the news, to thanking customers at local stores supporting JDRF. Since he was diagnosed with T1D at age six, Clayton has been sharing his T1D story to inspire others, and to emphasize the importance of funding T1D research. “For me T1D isn’t a choice, but the way I choose to live with it is to wake up and make the best out of my situation. I choose to love my life and my family, and raise awareness all I can along the way.” When not spreading awareness about T1D, Clayton can be found running cross country, playing tennis, hanging out with his dog Milo and spending time with family and friends. Clayton is excited to spread some T1D positivity at Children’s Congress this summer.

“Local teen to represent East Tennessee at the JDRF Children’s Congress,” 10 News NBC, June 27, 2019