Age: 6
Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Jake Merkley is a budding rocket scientist and astronaut. He loves launching rockets, watching videos of the space shuttle, and learning everything he can about stars and the solar system. Plus, he’s already an expert at mixing his interest in science with managing his T1D by doing experiments with his science kits. “Sometimes I even pretend I am making a mixture of ingredients to cure type 1 diabetes!”

Jake, his brother Will, who also has T1D, and their family help educate others by speaking to kids at elementary schools and their local high school about the symptoms of T1D. When he’s not raising awareness and advocating, Jake plays soccer and baseball, loves to read, and is dedicated to practicing the piano every day.