Age: 12
Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

En garde, T1D! Peter, an award–winning fencer, is now rallying his defenses against the disease. Diagnosed just last year, Peter plans to return to competing in tournaments soon. He is also an avid adventurer. A Boy Scout with plans to shoot for Eagle Scout status, Peter is an accomplished mountain climber, having summited several Fourteeners—mountains standing taller than a staggering 14,000 feet—in Colorado with his dad. Managing T1D and participating in JDRF efforts are part of his latest challenge. “I hope that one day scientists will cure T1D so other kids like me can enjoy just being kids and not have to worry about being sick, and I want Congress to support that research,” he says. “I know that I will be successful despite this disease.”

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