Age: 15
Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

“Have you ever thought about what it would be like to perform the job of an internal organ?” asks Steven. “Not only do I have to act as my own pancreas, but I have to make medical decisions every day just to stay alive.” Research and technological innovations have helped Steven and his mother, who also has T1D, make those decisions. After his initial diagnosis, Steven relied on injections, then began wearing a pump with a tube, and today wears a tubeless pump. “These things have changed her life and my life for the better.”

Steven has raised more than $100,000 for JDRF and has appeared in a JDRF video for his chapter’s Fund A Cure event. A talented singer, musician, and athlete, Steven loves soccer, golf, playing the drums and guitar, and writing music.