2013

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

T1D has taken Allison across the globe. In 2010, she traveled to Switzerland as part of the first U.S. team to compete in... Read More

Andrew

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Andrew knows how to spread the word about T1D. “I’m not shy about my T1D or the tools I use to manage it,... Read More

Austin

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Austin is determined to find a cure for T1D and hopes a career in medicine or electrical engineering will one day help him... Read More

Brandon

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 14

Brandon shows up every day—literally. This honors student has never missed a day of school or arrived late for class. He shows up... Read More

Cindy

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Imagine a world without T1D, asks Cindy. “There would be no more little kids crying as their parents try to coax them into... Read More

Eileen

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Eileen has grand aspirations—when she grows up, she’d like to become president of the United States, or a police officer. For now, though,... Read More

Hannah

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Hannah hopes that through her lengthy experience with T1D, she can be a role model to younger kids at Children’s Congress. “The challenge... Read More

Jonah

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Jonah knows that it is what’s on the inside that matters when it comes to T1D. “People look at me and they think... Read More

Jonah

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Jonah has learned a lot about T1D since his diagnosis, and he helps educate his classmates and his community. In fact, one of... Read More

Julianna

Age: 5 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Julianna and her family have come through many challenges. When Julianna was diagnosed, her father, Shiloh, an Army major and Blackhawk Pilot, decided... Read More

Ryan

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Modern-day cowboy Ryan is riding for a cure. This rodeo finalist practices three to four times daily and also loves camping, swimming, and... Read More

Sophia

Age: 6 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Sophia is only six, but she’s growing up fast. Diagnosed with T1D one year ago, she has learned to deal gracefully with seven... Read More

Will

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Will’s story is both unique and universal. After being rushed to the hospital with a blood-glucose level of 960—plus three days of sickness,... Read More

Willa

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Willa has seen the future! Just one week after her T1D diagnosis, she joined the Metabolic Control Study at Stanford University, where she... Read More

Dillon

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Dillon imagines a world without T1D. “A cure would allow for parents to rest easier when their child steps on the field, goes... Read More

Landry

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Landry believes T1D should be the last thing on kids’ minds. “Kids should only have to worry about doing well in school, being... Read More

Sam

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Sam can relate to other kids with T1D who excel at school, love sports, and enjoy life—but who don’t always feel exactly “normal.”... Read More

Virginia

District of Columbia, 2013

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Though Virginia has had T1D for most of her life, it’s thinking about newly diagnosed children that really discourages—and inspires—her work. “So many... Read More

Bobby

Connecticut, 2013

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9 months

T1D is one of many health obstacles Bobby lives with every day. Diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia in addition to his T1D,... Read More

Harrison

Connecticut, 2013

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Harrison sheds light on T1D—one lantern at a time. Through his organization T-1 Luminary Enlightenment, he has distributed more than 50,000 luminary bags,... Read More

Sophie

Connecticut, 2013

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11 months

When she’s not singing the national anthem at the Jonas Brothers’ Kickball Game or raising more than $100,000 (to date) for her... Read More

Craig

Delaware, 2013

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Part of what makes Craig and his T1D advocacy unique is his personal philosophy. “I try to be a good person to others,... Read More

Cecilia

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Cecilia finds the silver lining in having T1D. “Type 1 diabetes is not easy to live with. It is very frustrating and aggravating.... Read More

Alexis

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

“Imagine a toddler who loves to dance, sing, and bother her big sister.” That little girl was Alexis, who also grew up learning... Read More

Cerriah

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Cerriah’s family has one unfortunate legacy: Cerriah, her younger sister (Alexis), father, grandfather, and three uncles all have T1D. “I am living proof... Read More

Emmabella

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Emmabella has many interests, and she gives 110 percent effort to every one of them. She has received awards for public speaking, artwork,... Read More

Michael

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Michael knows about change—he’s an avid coin collector who can tell you all about the Mercury dime, the Indian Head penny, and the... Read More

Nicole

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Nicole was diagnosed just two years ago, but in those two years, she has learned—and contributed—a great deal. “Being diagnosed has changed my... Read More

Rachel

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

Rachel understands not only the difficulties of managing T1D, but also the challenges of finding a cure for it. Yet she also has... Read More

Samantha

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Samantha has high hopes for others kids who, like her, struggle with T1D’s daily impact. “I want children to feel safe when they... Read More

Walker

Age: 6 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

The middle child of five children, Walker’s the literal epicenter of his family. He enjoys spending free time watching movies, playing video games,... Read More

Mary Grace

Georgia, 2013

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Mary Grace is proud of her service as a role model for other kids—those who have T1D and those who do not. Inspired... Read More

Taylor

Georgia, 2013

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Diagnosed with T1D just three weeks after her first birthday, Taylor has scarcely known a life without site changes and syringes, highs and... Read More

Taylor

Hawaii, 2013

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

“If you talk with my friends and family about how I was before I was diagnosed with T1D, they will tell you that... Read More

Carson

Idaho, 2013

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

For Carson, T1D is the mother of invention! His creation, the Swipe and Wipe, a blood-sugar test strip with an alcohol- and dry-pad... Read More

Catherine

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Catherine was only two years old when she diagnosed herself. Her older sister Elizabeth had just been diagnosed with T1D, and Catherine wanted... Read More

Colin

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Colin dreams of a world without T1D. He hopes to become an inventor or engineer to find a way to make living with... Read More

Elizabeth

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Elizabeth has taken great leaps toward her dream of becoming a doctor. She learned about glucose stimulation as an intern in the Islet... Read More

Emily

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

There’s one essential component that keeps Emily going despite the obstacles she faces managing her T1D. It’s simple: “Hope for the future, near... Read More

Klaire

Age: 4 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Klaire may be young, but she has a big heart. A helper by nature, Klaire loves to help take care of little babies—she... Read More

Morgan

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

At only seven years old, Morgan has told her family that she “wants to do whatever it takes to help and make a... Read More

Claire

Indiana, 2013

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

As the only student at her school coping with T1D, Claire seems to live every day in the limelight. “Awareness is a big... Read More

Gwen

Indiana, 2013

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Gwen has been voicing her thoughts about life with T1D since the early days of her diagnosis. At just five years old, she... Read More

Rebecca

Indiana, 2013

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

When Rebecca was diagnosed with T1D at age two, her physician said that a cure for the disease would likely be found within... Read More

James

Iowa, 2013

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

James is one brave nine-year-old boy. He has already participated in various TrialNet trials through the Children’s Hospital of the University of Iowa... Read More

Sarah

Iowa, 2013

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Sarah has a lot of experience explaining T1D—to her friends, her schoolmates, her teachers, even members of her family. She even developed a... Read More

Anna

Kansas, 2013

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

At 12 years old, Anna is already a seasoned veteran of the Washington, D.C., scene. She and her family have discussed T1D with... Read More

Deven

Kentucky, 2013

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Deven is a girl of many talents. When she’s not playing the flute, singing in chorus, drawing, or spiking a volleyball, she is... Read More

Jack

Kentucky, 2013

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Jack, an accomplished Eagle Scout, hasn’t stopped since receiving his T1D diagnosis. He has hiked Arches National Park, gone whitewater rafting on the... Read More

Jaden

Kentucky, 2013

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Jaden knows a lot about T1D research. She dedicated herself to learning as much as she would about it in hopes that it... Read More

Bryan

Louisiana, 2013

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Bryan has soared above many challenges. After his diagnosis with T1D at age two, Bryan’s mother, who was deaf, couldn’t manage his disease.... Read More

Henry

Louisiana, 2013

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Henry knows the timeline of his T1D by heart. Two months before his 13th birthday, he received his diagnosis. Within three months, he... Read More

Quinn

Maine, 2013

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

At Children’s Congress, Quinn wants to lend his voice to those kids who haven’t found their own yet. He also wants to share... Read More

Carlos

Maryland, 2013

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

One of Carlos’ greatest tools for living with T1D is gratitude. “For me, every breath, every smile, every time I hold open a... Read More

Tacy

Maryland, 2013

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Tacy is going global! Organizing JDRF Walks from England to Germany, this advocate and her brother both have T1D. “I am very open... Read More

Finn

Massachusetts, 2013

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Finn’s philosophy is simple but profound. “Type 1 diabetes is like a gigantic speed bump. It slows you down, but with the right... Read More

Gilad

Massachusetts, 2013

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Gilad is turning his passions into progress. As a committed cyclist, he organized a 50-mile charity ride benefiting T1D research. A talented student,... Read More

Andrew

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

When Andrew’s mom asked him if he would like to come to Children’s Congress to speak with legislators about the need for a... Read More

Bethany

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Bethany is passionate about theater, music, and—of course—T1D research. “We need to have scientists and doctors researching type 1 diabetes, looking for new... Read More

Steven

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

“Have you ever thought about what it would be like to perform the job of an internal organ?” asks Steven. “Not only do... Read More

Tristin

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

As an artist whose work has been shown at The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, an advocate with organizations throughout the T1D community, and... Read More

Anna

Minnesota, 2013

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Diagnosed less than a year after her older sister (Emma), Anna was only two years old when her T1D was discovered and only... Read More

Emma

Minnesota, 2013

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Just 10 months after Emma was diagnosed with T1D, her younger sister, Anna, was diagnosed as well. As young children, both struggled with... Read More

Catrina

Mississippi, 2013

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

As a blogger, JDRF ambassador, and dedicated T1D advocate, Catrina is a girl on a mission. “Because type 1 diabetes affects every moment... Read More

Adam

Missouri, 2013

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Adam’s grandfather, who was diagnosed with T1D as a teenager and suffered many complications, passed away several years ago. At first, this legacy... Read More

Zachary

Missouri, 2013

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

November 30, 2007, is a day Zachary can’t seem to forget. It was the day he learned he had T1D. These days, though,... Read More

Finley

Montana, 2013

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Like many little girls, Finley loves dancing—ballet and tap dancing are her two favorites—painting and coloring, and hanging out with her older brother.... Read More

William

Montana, 2013

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11 months

William would love a cure for his T1D, but his hopes for this year’s Children’s Congress are for others who suffer. “I... Read More

Christina

Nebraska, 2013

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

As a child, Christina was worried about “catching” T1D. When she developed the (noncontagious) disease at 11, she realized “‘Catching’ type 1 diabetes... Read More

Trevin

Nebraska, 2013

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Trevin’s enthusiasm for life, and a cure, is contagious. “It is one of my hopes and dreams that in my lifetime, a cure... Read More

Grant

Nevada, 2013

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Grant discusses his goals in his own words, but his sentiments are shared by everyone at Children’s Congress. “I hope to help more... Read More

Matthew

Nevada, 2013

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

Though Matthew has learned to manage his T1D, he still worries about others—especially his young cousins, who, thankfully, don’t currently have the disease.... Read More

Reed

Nevada, 2013

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Reed wants to rewrite the story of T1D—literally. As an aspiring author, Reed blogs about the highs and lows of both blood-sugar levels... Read More

Caroline

New Hampshire, 2013

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

Caroline admits to wearing her heart—and her pump—on her sleeve. “This is one of the main reasons I wear my pump on the... Read More

Amber

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Amber just can’t hide her enthusiasm for T1D researchers and their progress toward a cure. “If they’re close to a cure, they should... Read More

Fiona

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Fiona is a fighter—and a fast learner. Within a month of her T1D diagnosis at age seven, she was administering her insulin shots... Read More

Lyndsey

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10 months

A gifted equestrian who is currently working on a novel, Lyndsey harbors dreams of becoming a veterinarian and a writer someday—so that... Read More

Myles

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11 months

Myles is committed to serving his community. As the recipient of multiple service awards, it’s no surprise that his hope for a... Read More

Rachel

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

As an accomplished pianist and T1D advocate, Rachel hits all the right notes. “I really believe that one day we will find a... Read More

Fallon

New Mexico, 2013

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Fallon’s enthusiastic spirit is clear to all who hear her story. This varsity soccer player remains active and upbeat. “Type 1 diabetes changed... Read More

Angel

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

As a football player and advocate for T1D, depression, and bullying awareness, Angel is tackling big challenges. “Being a delegate is important to... Read More

Haley

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Haley understands the devastation T1D can wreak on families, yet uses it as motivation for her advocacy. Her older sister Karissa also has... Read More

Hana

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Hana wants to raise awareness and find a cure for T1D, so that the questions—and the frustrations—can stop. “When we went to the... Read More

Joshua

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Joshua remembers one of the early battles after his T1D diagnosis. He and his parents wanted a certain type of pump, but their... Read More

Max

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Max finds unexpected creativity in his T1D. “I realized I could use living with this disease as a source of inspiration.” His documentary,... Read More

Melissa

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Melissa has tirelessly raised more than $20,000 for JDRF through bake sales and lemonade stands, but she comes to Children’s Congress realizing that... Read More

Patrick

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Patrick dreams about how a cure for his disease could transform daily life for him and other children coping with T1D. “I pray... Read More

Sydney

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Sydney is the only kid at her school with T1D, but because of her efforts, her classmates and teachers know a great deal... Read More

Will

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Will loves to try new things—he enjoys bowling, golf, ice skating, fishing, coin collecting, and video games, to name a few. But if... Read More

Anya

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Pax means “peace” in Latin, and that’s just what Anya’s service dog, Pax, a Red Merle Australian shepherd, brings her. The two go... Read More

Carr

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Every year, Carr and his family do everything they can to support T1D research by forming JDRF Walk teams, attending Galas, and advocating... Read More

Chandler

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Chandler wants to share her thanks for all those who have championed the Special Diabetes Program (SDP). “Their support changes my life for... Read More

Ian

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Ian lives by the advice his parents shared upon his T1D diagnosis. “My mom and dad told me, ‘You can do whatever you... Read More

Joel

Age: 5 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Joel was diagnosed at just 22 months. In the early days of his disease, Joel’s parents found it difficult to regulate his blood-sugar... Read More

T.J.

North Dakota, 2013

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Having T1D hasn’t been child’s play for TJ and his two older sisters, who all have the disease. But thanks to research and... Read More

Taya

North Dakota, 2013

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Growing up, Taya shared more than the toys and snacks that most kids split with their siblings. Taya, her brother, and her sister... Read More

Tylie

North Dakota, 2013

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Tylie was the first of her siblings to receive a T1D diagnosis. Of the four kids in her family, three have the disease... Read More

Abbey

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 13

Living with T1D may keep Abbey on her toes, but nothing can stop this performing powerhouse from taking the stage. Just five days... Read More

Avery

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Diagnosed with T1D weeks after her third birthday, Avery can’t remember life without T1D. But the disease hasn’t stopped this ambitious grade-schooler from... Read More

Jack

Age: 4 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11 months

Jack was diagnosed with T1D at just 11 months, after his history of weight loss, ear infections, and difficulty sleeping led his... Read More

Jack

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Jack wants to assure other kids at Children’s Congress that it’s perfectly normal to feel different. “If there were a cure, the kids... Read More

Olivia

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

While in the hospital after her T1D diagnosis, Olivia experienced a great support system that helped her learn about the changes T1D was... Read More

Jack

Oklahoma, 2013

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Jack is known for his sunny outlook. In fact, his nickname is Happy Jack. “Luckily, all my friends, teachers, coaches, and family agreed... Read More

Shervin

Oklahoma, 2013

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 13

When Shervin received his T1D diagnosis, he joined his dad and brother in their fight against the disease. “Right now, ‘normal’ for my... Read More

Adli

Oregon, 2013

Age: 7 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Though Adli can’t remember life before her T1D diagnosis, this budding young dancer and artist “loves to make people laugh and smile,” according... Read More

Amelia

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Amelia hopes to outrun T1D someday. Every year, she holds a “Diabetes Dash”—she invites people to run, walk, bike, scooter, or Rollerblade around... Read More

Brett

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Brett believes that T1D is more than a disease—it’s an opportunity. “I’m not angry; everyone has something, and my something is called T1D.”... Read More

Caroline

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Type 1 diabetes came out of nowhere for Caroline. She had no symptoms and no family history of the disease prior to entering... Read More

Hannah

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Hannah, who dreams of becoming a pediatric endocrinologist, wants to see a cure for those kids who haven’t yet been diagnosed with T1D.... Read More

Mikaelie

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

Mikaelie is deeply familiar with the ups and downs of having T1D. “Every day of my life seems completely different from the day... Read More

Matt

Rhode Island, 2013

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

When life handed him lemons, Matthew didn’t just make lemonade—he started his T1D advocacy! Sweet Rush Lemonade Stand, founded by Matthew and his... Read More

Ethan

South Carolina, 2013

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Ethan’s outreach involves speaking to groups, large and small, about his T1D—and he is a gifted speaker. “When you live every day with... Read More

Hannah

South Carolina, 2013

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Hannah dispels rumors surrounding T1D. “It’s not my fault that my body can’t process sugar correctly to fuel my body. Other than my... Read More

Justin

South Carolina, 2013

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Justin doesn’t just dream about a life without T1D, but fantasizing does happen to be a part of his awareness efforts. Justin started... Read More

Jack

South Dakota, 2013

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

By the time Jack was diagnosed with T1D one Thanksgiving Day, he already knew all about blood-glucose monitoring and carb counting. His older... Read More

Ahmed

Tennessee, 2013

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

As the son of two doctors, Ahmed knows that research has ripple effects—even on those who don’t have T1D. “Finding a cure is... Read More

Garrett

Tennessee, 2013

Age: 5 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

T1D knows no age limits. Garrett Allen was diagnosed at age one, having spent a fraught night in the neonatal intensive care unit... Read More

Kate

Tennessee, 2013

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Kate has one fail-proof strategy for dealing with T1D: optimism. “I know that it is easy to get discouraged about having type 1... Read More

Charlie

Age: 5 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10 months

Charlie wants to be a doctor, artist, fireman, truck driver, and engineer when he grows up. Today, this curious five-year-old has time... Read More

Charlsie

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

Charlsie is used to overcoming obstacles that would daunt most others. Though she is a congenital amputee— she was born without a right... Read More

Grant

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Grant wants to share the message of hope at Children’s Congress that he’s delivered in his speeches at JDRF Walk kickoff events, and... Read More

Kendall

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Kendall has already gotten a jump start on her ambition to become a Broadway star or movie actress. She has appeared in TV... Read More

Kevin

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Talented athlete Kevin isn’t the only player on his All Star baseball team who has T1D. He and a teammate check their blood... Read More

Nadia

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Nadia has become an inspiration to those around her since her diagnosis at age six. Her mom, Jennifer, says, “It is so hard... Read More

Rachel

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

One of the most challenging—but also most satisfying—aspects of Rachel’s role as an ambassador with JDRF is speaking with newly diagnosed children and... Read More

Randi

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 14

Her diagnosis with T1D ended Randi’s ambition of joining the Air Force, but in its place, another dream has taken root: finding a... Read More

Alex

Utah, 2013

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

When it comes to Alex’s T1D, the gloves are off. As this talented athlete puts it, “I am determined not to let this... Read More

Jake

Utah, 2013

Age: 6 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Jake Merkley is a budding rocket scientist and astronaut. He loves launching rockets, watching videos of the space shuttle, and learning everything he... Read More

Will

Utah, 2013

Age: 9 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10 months

Will, an award-winning storyteller, has one tale to tell at this year’s Children’s Congress. “I hope to tell my story about how... Read More

Victoria

Vermont, 2013

Age: 6 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Victoria’s mom, Mary, calls her daughter “a great role model for not letting type 1 diabetes get in the way of doing anything.”... Read More

Alexander

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Alexander’s T1D hit a nerve when he wasn’t allowed to take a driver’s learning permit test last year because of his insulin use.... Read More

Bridgette

Age: 6 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Bridgette is a born entertainer—she loves singing and dancing, and has even performed at a JDRF Gala. Both Bridgette and her older brother... Read More

Elliot

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

For Elliot, a cure would mean extra culinary—and cultural—benefits. “A cure for type 1 diabetes for an Asian-American like me would mean that... Read More

Emmie

Age: 4 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Emmie hasn’t decided what she wants to be when she grows up, but she has narrowed down her choices. “I want to be... Read More

Kamryn

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Kamryn believes there’s a silver lining to T1D and wants to help the world to see it. “I want to relay how research... Read More

Matthew

Age: 13 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

This JDRF ambassador jumped into volunteering at the very beginning. Weeks after his diagnosis with T1D, he joined his first JDRF Walk. Because... Read More

Blythe

Age: 17 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

Blythe is intimately familiar with the challenges of being a teen with T1D. At age 15, after almost a decade living with the... Read More

Erica

Age: 14 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

Erica was a T1D advocate even before she received her own diagnosis. As a child, she participated in a JDRF Walk with her... Read More

Henry

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Henry has overcome great hurdles in his struggle with T1D. Ranked second in the country in sprint kayaking for his age/standing, Henry had... Read More

Nicole

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Like many kids with T1D, Nicole didn’t have a history of the disease in her family. Her diagnosis came as a shock, but... Read More

Adam

West Virginia, 2013

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

With a unique outlook on his disease, Adam shares his T1D experience with all who will listen. “Being outgoing is my way of... Read More

Molly

West Virginia, 2013

Age: 12 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Molly’s favorite place to be is in the kitchen, cooking and baking, and one day, she hopes to be a professional chef. But... Read More

Kimmy

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Next time you flip on the TV, open the newspaper, or turn on the radio, you might just encounter Kimberly. Through her TV,... Read More

Shannon

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 11 months

Softball, school plays, and student government. Acting, choir, and mystery books. Shannon’s life is bursting with activity, despite her T1D. “I still... Read More

Shelby

Age: 8 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Ask Shelby for her greatest accomplishment, and the answer is both simple and poignant: “Living successfully with T1D.” Both she and her dad... Read More

Wyatt

Age: 10 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

An aspiring politician, Wyatt is looking to make a difference. As a student council representative, he personally asked the mayor of Green Bay,... Read More

Calvin

Wyoming, 2013

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Calvin has a very clear memory of October 28, 2009—the day he was diagnosed with T1D. He got to play video games, and... Read More

Anders

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Anders, a Denmark native who was diagnosed as a baby, can’t remember a life without T1D—but that doesn’t stop him from imagining one.... Read More

George

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

George has been proactive since the early days of his diagnosis. Just eight at the time, he quickly went online and learned all... Read More

Maya

Age: 11 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Maya’s bringing her T1D advocacy to the United States. As a poster child for JDRF in her home country of Israel, she has... Read More

Megan

Age: 15 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 10

October 16, 2008, was a bittersweet day for Megan. “The day I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes was the day I decided... Read More

Nikki

Age: 16 | Age at T1D diagnosis: 12

Nikki, a native of the Netherlands, was diagnosed just over three years ago. Today, she looks forward to a cure “for now, but... Read More

Samuel