Age: 6
Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Not only is Nasir a gifted linguist—he taught himself the basics of Japanese and Spanish, through online tutorials by the time he was four years old—he is also an American Mensa member. But what everyone notices first is Nasir’s highly contagious smile! Nasir plays T–ball for the Detroit Police Athletic League during the summer, and basketball during the winter. He collects donations for T1D research, shares his own story with all who will listen, and enjoys watching Diabetes Stories on YouTube to learn how others live with the disease. As his mom says, Nasir has become a “type 1 diabetes expert and JDRF advocate,” who “knows more than many adults about insulin, blood sugars, and carb counting.” He is attending JDRF Children’s Congress to share his story and learn from others.