Age: 15
Age at T1D diagnosis: 13

Maddie likes singing, playing tennis and baking. When she gets older, she would like to become an endocrinologist or pediatric surgeon. Unfortunately, she is not the only member of her family to have T1D; her brother was diagnosed in 2013. She is currently enrolled in a clinical trial through TrialNet, which has helped Maddie learn about T1D. She explains, “I have learned so much about my disease and have met so many great individuals in the diabetic medical community. Most of all, I feel like I am contributing.” Maddie is looking forward to being a Delegate and contributing on Capitol Hill. “Diabetes is inconvenient and hard, but not impossible, and with more medical/technological advances, continued research funding, and public education, there will be no barriers to making this disease a thing of the past!

15-year-old Sioux Falls native pushing lawmakers to fund diabetes research / KSFY ABC / July 24, 2017