Age: 13
Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

Rachel understands not only the difficulties of managing T1D, but also the challenges of finding a cure for it. Yet she also has hope for healthcare innovations. “It is really important for Congress to continue funding the Special Diabetes Program, because they are so close to making my and other kids’ lives easier with their continued research in the Artificial Pancreas Project until they find a cure.”

Rachel surfs, dances, plays volleyball and tennis, and is working toward a black belt in karate. She loves children and volunteers with three-year-olds at her church. She also sponsors a children’s orphanage in Uganda, and helps support a child named Maria in South America. In the future, she hopes to take mission trips throughout the world to help children who have less than she does.