Age: 11
Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Claire, who was diagnosed as a young child, says T1D “has always been part of my life.” But technological advances have evolved as Claire has grown. She started using an insulin pump in 2012 and was amazed by the change. “Wow, this made my life so much easier, as I didn’t have to have eight to ten shots a day anymore!” she recalls. While innovations are exciting, Claire is even more hopeful for a cure. “But to find this cure there needs to be funds for continued research and clinical trials,” she says. Claire enjoys reading, singing, hiking and camping with her family, arts and crafts; and she takes voice and drama classes. An avid gymnast, Claire has even earned a scholarship towards gymnastics camp.