Age: 15
Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Gwen has been voicing her thoughts about life with T1D since the early days of her diagnosis. At just five years old, she discussed the JDRF Walk with her local Ford plant. In fourth grade, she talked about World Diabetes Day on the local news. Today, she hopes to speak to lawmakers through Children’s Congress. “I want to be heard for myself, for the others suffering from type 1 diabetes, and for the unfortunate ones who have not been diagnosed yet.”

One of Gwen’s proudest moments was when her family Walk team, Gwen’s Group, was inducted into the JDRF Hall of Fame in 2010. Gwen is captain of the freshman basketball team, plays intramural volleyball, and runs. She enjoys reading and writing poems and is involved with student council.