Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 13

Golf, track, wrestling, half–marathon running: Tommy tackles sports, and his T1D, head–on. “Since my diagnosis, I have jumped into managing my type 1 diabetes running,” he explains. “The other part of the resilience I had was from hope—the hope I have received from seeing the medical advancements in diabetes technology.” As for T1D advocacy, Tommy has led JDRF Walk teams of 125 participants, volunteers on JDRF Walk days, and shares his story with “anyone who asks, so others can learn about what we go through and so that I can help anyone else trying to manage their diabetes better.” With dreams of becoming an engineer or a lawyer, Tommy currently participates in both mock trial and the varsity math team. He also enjoys biking, cooking and reading.

READ TOMMY’S LATEST NEWS:

Lake Forest Teen Will Speak Up For Diabetes Research in Washington D.C.