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 hospital, I wasn’t scared at all, not even when they pricked me. I still get frustrated and mad, but I am happy with who I am. I want a cure because type 1 diabetes can sometimes be annoying, and it sometimes makes me feel sick. I don’t like answering so many questions.”

Hana remains determined to help others while helping herself. In addition to participating in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes and Children’s Congress, Hana helps other kids understand their shared diagnosis through Ben’s Friends, a program that matches kids with T1D and their families to other kids close in age who live with the same daily burden.