Age: 15
Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Joey loves playing hockey so much that he’s on two team rosters. He changed his hockey number to 53 after his T1D diagnosis date (May 3) to let people know that T1D wasn’t going to stop him from playing his favorite sport. Joey also volunteers for the Pittsburgh Emperors special hockey team, which serves athletes of all ages who have various physical, developmental and cognitive impairments. Joey and his family are very involved with JDRF, participating in JDRF One Walk, Galas and serving as mentors for newly diagnosed families. Joey is excited to bring his positive attitude and passion to D.C., saying, “I won’t allow T1D to defeat me! I will continue to be my unique self, despite having T1D!”