Age: 13
Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Modern-day cowboy Ryan is riding for a cure. This rodeo finalist practices three to four times daily and also loves camping, swimming, and training dogs. “I want people to see that kids with type 1 diabetes can be normal, active kids just like any other kids, with the technology that is provided by research.” That research has helped provide Ryan with an insulin pump for the last three years, though he admits he’d prefer a cure because his pump has to be removed whenever he goes swimming.

Ryan’s hope is boosted when he remembers “My doctor at Stanford says that they are getting closer to finding a cure. Maybe someday, kids like me won’t have to give themselves insulin at all!” As for future plans, Ryan plans to become a doctor or an engineer.