Age: 10
Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Charlie’s favorite activity in the world is sports. He has a red belt in Hapkido—and plays football, basketball and baseball. Charlie is very committed to educating other kids about T1D by speaking at schools and showing students his insulin pump. He explains, “I like to talk about diabetes because I want people to understand better about what it is and what it isn’t. It’s not an easy disease to live with.” Although he was nervous at first, Charlie’s voice has been instrumental in helping to obtain more than $2,000 in grant money for JDRF. His family also started the ‘Dirty for Diabetes’ team to compete at local athletic events—such as Tough Mudder—and raise awareness for T1D. Charlie’s ultimate dream is to be able to say, “Remember when I had diabetes?”

Gray boy testifies before Senate committee about diabetes / WCSH 6 / August 7, 2017

Young Mainers bring awareness to Type-1 diabetes / WMTW ABC 8 / July 27, 2017

A Gray fifth-grader tells the Senate that diabetes won’t curb his dreams / Maine Sun Journal / July 26

Lakes Region boys help raise diabetes awareness at Congress / Keep Me Current / July 26, 2017

Boy from Gray tells Senate committee about his life with diabetes / CentralMaine.com / July 26, 2017

Charlie Albair, 10-Year-Old Gray Native with T1D, Testifies Before Senator Collins’ Committee on Importance of Finding a Cure for Diabetes / Senator Susan Collins of Maine / July 26, 2017