Age: 14
Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

Though Matthew has learned to manage his T1D, he still worries about others—especially his young cousins, who, thankfully, don’t currently have the disease. “A cure for T1D is important to me, because I don’t think anybody should have to give themselves shots to stay alive. I have two cousins who are five and seven, and I would never want to see them have to deal with what I do.”

As Family Chair for the JDRF Northern Nevada Walk to Cure Diabetes last year, Matthew puts his money—and his support —where his mouth is. He distributes Bags of Hope to newly diagnosed kids in the hospital, and participates in Walks and Galas each year. In addition to his outreach efforts, Matthew is a straight-A student who enjoys swimming, snowboarding, and exercising.