Diagnosed at age one, LeAnne spent ages four through six as the Yuma Bikers Against Diabetes Princess, helping to raise money for children with diabetes and to spread awareness in the community. She’s volunteered at fundraising events and been interviewed about diabetes for newspaper, radio, and television. LeAnne’s father also had type 1, but did not take good care of himself while growing up. He later suffered from complications which LeAnne attributes to the tragic car accident that took his life when she was seven.

“Continuing to fund research will help [people with diabetes] learn to take better care of themselves and will help save families from suffering the loss of a loved one,” she says. Motivated to live fully, LeAnne enjoys showing and riding horses, playing soccer and softball, and camping with family. She is an Honor student and wants to become a teacher or a diabetes research scientist.