Age: 9
Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

Prior to her diagnosis, Lydia already knew the importance of T1D research because she had been supporting her friend’s JDRF One Walk team for several years. Lydia may be newly diagnosed, but she already has big dreams for what she hopes to accomplish to benefit people with T1D. She wants to create an insulin pump that can give blood-sugar readings aloud to assist people who are visually impaired. Lydia is ready to go to Children’s Congress this year to tell her Members of Congress, “T1D research is important so no one has to go through this.” In her free time, Lydia loves gymnastics, swimming, reading and drawing.

“Ellsworth girl to advocate for type 1 diabetes research in our nation’s capital,” WABI5, July 2, 2019

“Maine girl with Type 1 diabetes becomes advocate for others battling disease,” WMTW ABC8, July 4, 2019

“9-year-old from Ellsworth lobbies to cure diabetes,” News Center Maine, July 5, 2019

‘Two children to represent Maine at JDRF Children’s Congress,” Sun Journal, July 20, 2019