Age: 17
Age at Diagnosis: 7

When Ella is not pushing herself with academics, she can be found on a field hockey or lacrosse field or at the beach serving as a lifeguard. Ella takes her job as a lifeguard very seriously, just as seriously as managing her T1D. “I realize that in order to assist others, I need to be well first.” 

Ella has participated in T1D screening—which helped identify she was at risk of developing T1D after her younger brother’s diagnosis—and clinical trials. She views it as a way to further the science and help find a cure. Ella also enjoys promoting awareness of T1D through educating teachers, coaches, classmates, and teammates as well as fundraising for the JDRF One Walk. In the future, Ella hopes to become an endocrinology nurse practitioner to share her knowledge and compassion with others.