Age: 17
Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Elizabeth has taken great leaps toward her dream of becoming a doctor. She learned about glucose stimulation as an intern in the Islet Transplantation Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago, which is supported by the Special Diabetes Program. She also serves as vice president of her school’s sports-medicine club, in which she works with athletic trainers to treat and rehabilitate injuries. “Rather than holding me back, my type 1 diabetes has inspired me to help others.”

Elizabeth enjoys singing, volunteering with special-education students, and participating in her church youth group. Her dad, uncle, and sister also have T1D. Their family connection inspires Elizabeth to hope for a cure, which “would have a significant beneficial impact on not only my family, but also the families of the estimated three million Americans who have type 1 diabetes.”