Age: 16

Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Makaila is very mindful of the burdens of T1D—her father has the disease and she was diagnosed at just 16 months old. She explains, “Diabetes doesn’t just take a toll on your physical health, but on your mental health as well. I must act as my own personal doctor, mathematician and counselor.” That hasn’t stopped Makaila from participating in JDRF Walks, teaming with local businesses and meeting with her Congressional District’s Representative during the most recent JDRF Promise to Remember Me campaign. In fact, over the years she has helped raise more than $20,000 for T1D research—but she’s not done yet. “I will continue to fight by supporting JDRF, by educating those around me and living my life to the best of my ability,” Makaila says. “Diabetes is my diagnosis, it is not my destiny.”