Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Nina loves sports and music, frequently singing the national anthem at local sporting events. She doesn’t let diabetes stop her from enjoying high-intensity sports like volleyball. Nina was diagnosed with T1D when she was 7 years old, nearly nine years ago. Because Nina’s family lives in a rural community where she is the only one with T1D in her school, connecting with other kids with T1D has been important to her. She participates in the annual Breakthrough T1D Walk, mentors newly diagnosed kids in her region, and celebrates her diaversary each summer at diabetes camp, where she will be a counselor-in-training!

Nina is passionate about helping others and advocating for affordable access to insulin. Nina worked alongside her mom and other volunteer advocates to help pass legislation in 2023 that allowed state employees $25 insulin and basic diabetes supplies. This year, she has been working to expand it to more people and is excited to take her advocacy work to a new level! She is considering a teaching career in the future.