Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Makeda was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes shortly after her 9th birthday. She vividly remembers getting her face painted and playing games with a patient care nonprofit during the hospital visit, which brought her so much comfort and joy during that challenging time. This experience inspired Makeda to start The Cure for All Club at her high school, which organizes card and cookie drives to cheer up children in local hospitals and raise awareness for a variety of autoimmune diseases.

Outside of advocacy, Makeda is passionate about music. She participates in multiple choirs at school, volunteers as the children’s choral director at her church, and loves singing in her free time! Soccer is her favorite sport, and she has been playing since the age of 5. Makeda also enjoys trying new foods with friends and family and finds joy in grocery shopping!