Age: 12
Age at T1D diagnosis: 11 months

Mason believes T1D is nothing to shelter others from: “I don’t hide my disease,” he says. “I check my blood sugar in front of classmates and friends and when people ask about it, I’m more than happy to explain to them what I have and what it means.” In fact, Mason says, “The more people who know, the better!” A proud advocate, Mason has raised nearly $100,000 with his family since he was diagnosed in 2004. He also speaks at a yearly golf tournament to raise funds for JDRF. “Research for type 1 diabetes is really important to me,” he says. “I really think, in my heart, that we can have a cure in my lifetime.” Mason also loves playing just about every sport, especially soccer, baseball, basketball and hockey.