Age: 13
Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

Just a couple of days before Katie was diagnosed with T1D, she competed at Divisionals for competitive rock climbing. At the competition, she knew something wasn’t right, and she was diagnosed with T1D soon after she returned home. After she was diagnosed, Katie refused to let T1D stop her from climbing just a few days later, and it has not stopped her from succeeding as an athlete. Katie has gone on to compete at various climbing competitions across the nation—from the local level, all the way to the national levels. Katie is excited to share her story, inspire others and advocate for T1D research in Washington, D.C. at Children’s Congress. Katie says, “I wouldn’t change what happened to me because then, I wouldn’t have the chance to meet and embrace more people than I ever could have without diabetes.”

“JDRF Children’s Congress allows delegates to meet and discuss Type 1 Diabetes with lawmakers,” KRQE13, June 21, 2019

“Positively Inspirational: 13-Year-Old Climber Takes Type 1 to New Heights,” Diabetes Self-Management, June 7, 2019

“New Mexico rep. aim at high costs of diabetes meds,” Santa Fe New Mexican, June 28, 2019