Age: 17
Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Kate has one fail-proof strategy for dealing with T1D: optimism. “I know that it is easy to get discouraged about having type 1 diabetes. It can be rough. It is hard on friends, family, and the person who has the disease. However, I also know that this disease has made me a stronger person. It has made me truly appreciate what I do have, and not dwell on what I don’t.”

Kate has raised more than $60,000 for JDRF, participated in Galas, and volunteered at a camp for kids with T1D. Kate enjoys doing mission work and has traveled throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. In the future, Kate would like to become an author, a journalist, or an editor.