Not long after the Muths family endured Hurricane Katrina, Mary started showing symptoms of type 1. Her mother recognized the symptoms because Mary's cousin also has type 1. So Mary was tested, and at eight years old, she was diagnosed.

Not long after the Muths family endured Hurricane Katrina, Mary started showing symptoms of type 1. Her mother recognized the symptoms because Mary's cousin also has type 1. So Mary was tested, and at eight years old, she was diagnosed. Shortly thereafter, Mary organized a school fundraising walk that raised over $10,000. The Muths then formed the JDRF Walk team "Mary's Marchers," which raised over $18,000 in 2008 and over $14,000 in 2009. In 2010, Mary helped organize the first JDRF Walk on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, raising over $15,000; a tennis tournament fundraiser; and a Promise to Remember Me Campaign meeting with Representative Gene Taylor. Mary enjoys playing piano and guitar, singing, and babysitting. She is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society. "I know that whatever I do in life, I want to do my very best and make a difference in someone's life," she says.