Age: 10
Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Willa has seen the future! Just one week after her T1D diagnosis, she joined the Metabolic Control Study at Stanford University, where she received an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor, and—most importantly— for three days in the hospital, she got to use an artificial pancreas system. “I think that it is pretty cool because not many people get to be on an artificial pancreas—and I am one of the few that did!”

Willa continues to give back with her ongoing participation in the Stanford study and by getting involved with JDRF Walks. She loves reading, especially historical fiction, and participates in National Novel Writing Month. Willa likes acting, dancing, and singing, and attends a theater camp. She hopes to become an actress someday.