Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 14

Her diagnosis with T1D ended Randi’s ambition of joining the Air Force, but in its place, another dream has taken root: finding a cure. Addressing Congress, she says: “You challenge my generation by telling us we are the next generation whom our country’s hopes are built upon. You call us your future leaders. I challenge you to address this disease that is robbing us of our futures and dreams.”

While her T1D means that Randi can’t follow her hero grandfather’s footsteps into the armed forces, she has earned distinctions including the outstanding AS1 cadet ribbon in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and the Tuskegee Airmen ribbon. She participates in AFJROTC teams including drill, color guard, academic challenge, and the Kitty Hawk Honor Society. She hopes to pursue a career as a neonatologist.