Age: 14
Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

While in the hospital after her T1D diagnosis, Olivia experienced a great support system that helped her learn about the changes T1D was quickly ushering into her life. She realized, however, that not everyone living with T1D had access to the help that she did. She hopes to fill in the gaps by creating a support program to connect newly diagnosed teens with others who have the disease. “I wish that I didn’t have type 1 diabetes, just like everybody else who has it. However, I don’t wish to take back all that it has taught me, and all that it has shaped me as a person, because type 1 diabetes has helped me grow.”

Olivia enjoys volleyball, tennis, swimming, photography, and playing piano in addition to her advocacy work.