Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Balancing T1D can be difficult at any age, but especially for a busy teenager. Just ask Drake, who is captain of a top JDRF fundraising team (Drake’s Diabetes Destroyers), a homecoming prince, a National Honor Society and archery team member and more. “Type 1 is a continued juggling act to balance insulin with carb intake, along with exercise, activities, stress, excitement, hormones, growth and many other factors. I, however, do not let my diabetes slow me down in any way!” Drake and his family also get their local community involved in T1D awareness by hosting fundraising events and doing interviews with radio and TV outlets. Bringing that same enthusiasm to JDRF Children’s Congress, Drake says, “I believe that a cure is within reach and will work my hardest to make that dream a reality.”

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Two young people represented Kentucky