Age: 12
Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Despite T1D’s obstacles, Max says he’s thankful. “I feel very lucky that I get wonderful care from my doctors, and I believe that every day we are closer to finding a cure or at least finding better things to help me deal with my disease.” Max holds bake sales to raise funds, heads a team for the yearly JDRF Walk, and has appeared in a video played for an annual fundraiser held in Louisiana. He’s also taken part in a triathlon benefiting JDRF. “It makes me very proud to see everyone out there raising money for JDRF, knowing that I can compete in the triathlon even though I have the disease.” Max also loves traveling, theater, field hockey, swimming and acting—he’s already appeared in two movies and a commercial!

READ MAX’S LATEST NEWS:

JDRF 2015 Children’s Congress