Age: 5
Age at Diagnosis: 1

Ella is very excited to start kindergarten this year. Swimming is one of her favorite activities, but she also loves coloring, dance, gymnastics, and running around with her dog, appropriately named Rufus! When she grows up, Ella would like to be a doctor and work with kids. 

Ella is very outgoing and likes when people ask her questions about her insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor, which are usually decorated with stickers. One of Ella’s favorite activities is the JDRF One Walk—last year was her first in-person Walk, so she dyed her hair blue for it! T1D is a family affair for Ella (her mother was diagnosed at age 12) and she is thankful for her older brother, who helps her explain T1D to other kids at swimming or on the playground. “He is a true advocate for me.”