Sofie
Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 8
Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 8
One of Sofie’s greatest achievements also represents two of her passions: public speaking and T1D advocacy. As a ninth–grader, she participated in an all–state speech event. Sofie explains: “I was extremely proud of this accomplishment because the speech I wrote was about type 1 diabetes, and how I felt I had three choices—it could destroy me, define me, or strengthen me—when I was diagnosed.” Sofie’s other advocacy efforts include creating JDRF Walk teams, delivering presentations on T1D at school, and serving as a JDRF Youth Ambassador. While she also enjoys choir, color guard, concert band and water skiing, for Sofie, public speaking isn’t just another of her hobbies, it’s a key part of her T1D work. “Type 1 diabetes helped me find my voice,” she says.
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