Age: 15
Age at Diagnosis: 9

Joy describes herself as “a very busy person” and she definitely is! She participates in piano club, winter color guard, Girl Scouts, student council, Model UN, choir, and more! With Joy’s love for math and science, she hopes to work in the engineering field as an adult.

Despite her busy schedule, Joy always finds time to educate people about living with T1D, including serving as a JDRF Youth Ambassador and on her local One Walk Committee. “I discuss my personal experience with my teachers and peers, and face a lot of questions about T1D daily. I use those questions as an opportunity to educate. If someone is showing interest in my diabetes, I always elaborate.” Joy is excited to head to DC and use her powerful voice to continue to spread awareness about T1D in a meaningful way!

“Carson City, Las Vegas teens going to Washington, D.C., for JDRF’s Children’s Congress,” Carson Now, June 12, 2023

“Las Vegas teens represent Nevada in DC for JDRF’s Children’s Congress,” News 3, July 6, 2023