Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

“The marathon JDRF has been running is closing in on the finish line,” says Turner, “but every extra donation can only succeed in helping them cross it faster.” Turner is contributing to that race by attending JDRF Walks, serving as a JDRF Gala ambassador, and mentoring children through JDRF outreach efforts. But sometimes, as Turner points out, the best advocacy opportunities pop up in ordinary conversation. “Even in the everyday, I try to make sure that all who approach me about diabetes have a better understanding of what the disease entails than they did before they spoke to me,” he explains. Turner is an alto saxophone player in his school’s marching and symphonic bands, and he has often played solos and duets. He also plays the piano and enjoys sports.

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