Age: 17
Age at Diagnosis: 7

Thomas describes himself as a social person, and enjoys spending time with his friends and playing basketball with his brothers when he isn’t busy with work and school. Last fall, Thomas ran the St. George Marathon, and recently got a car, which he loves to keep neat and clean. Thomas and his family have supported JDRF through hosting golf tournaments (they’ve raised nearly $100,000 toward their One Walk team, Team Thomas!) to raise funds for T1D research, and Thomas has spoken to several groups to raise T1D awareness.

Thomas loves doing humanitarian work, and most recently went on a trip to Costa Rica to work at an orphanage for two weeks. He plans on using his love of serving others after he finishes high school by serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Thomas hasn’t let T1D keep him from doing the things he wants to do and says, “I have always tried to live my life with courage and optimism!”