Age: 11
Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

T1D is no match for Owen, who earned his brown belt and moved into the advanced classes in karate last year. He competes in local and regional tournaments, and his goal is to earn his black belt. Owen also is on the Honor Roll at his school, which he knows is key in helping him reach his dream career of being a zookeeper. Since Owen was diagnosed with T1D, his family has become deeply involved with JDRF and the T1D community; and Owen is currently part of a clinical trial. Owen says, “with all of the new research and technology that is coming out, it gives me hope that one day there may be a world without diabetes.”

 

“Dover boy rallies for diabetes research,” Delaware State News, June 8, 2019

“2 children to represent Delaware region at JDRF Children’s Congress,” Hockessin Community News, June 6, 2019

“Delaware 7th grader advocating for juvenile diabetes in Washington, D.C.,” 47abc News, June 19, 2019

“Dover seventh-grader to lobby for diabetes research,” Dover Post, June 27, 2019

“First State student makes pitch for diabetes research support,” Delaware Public Media, July 8, 2019