Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

In her free time, Ashley is in two dance groups and competes in speech and debate tournaments. She also spends a lot of time raising awareness for T1D, from speaking on the radio during National Diabetes Awareness Month, to presenting at fraternities and schools. Fundraising for JDRF, too, is a passion of hers because, like advocacy, it promotes the path to a cure. She explains, “Fundraising leads to research and hopefully a cure.” She’s particularly passionate about helping others with T1D gain access to the tools she uses to live a healthier life. “Imagine if everyone who had diabetes could receive a continuous glucose monitor—that would substantially cut down on the cost of medical expenses for a large portion of our nation.”