Age: 7
Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

It is rare to find a seven-year-old as well-spoken and charismatic as Owen, who was diagnosed with T1D when he was just two. In the five years since his diagnosis, Owen and his family have participated in just about every JDRF event—from leading a JDRF One Walk team that has raised more than $40,000, to Owen’s dad riding in several JDRF Rides, to being an integral part of JDRF Advocacy’s efforts. He also loves basketball, football and baseball, as well as playing with his friends and two dogs. Owen is a tremendous advocate for T1D research and wants to help as many people as he can, saying, “when I grow up, I want to be a scientist or a doctor that helps to find a cure for diabetes.”