Age: 10
Age at T1D diagnosis: 9

Malakai was diagnosed with T1D less than a year ago, but hasn’t let it stop him from continuing to do the things he loves like wrestling, playing football and enjoying music and dancing. He’s also no stranger to public speaking, has enjoyed starring in his school play, as well as narrating the Christmas program at his church. Malakai is excited to come to D.C. and use his voice to talk about the importance of continued progress in T1D research and technology. “T1D research and advances in technology are important because if we didn’t have advances we wouldn’t have as many ways to control and manage blood sugars. It helps newly diagnosed kids like me feel better, and makes it less painful so that we can keep living a normal life.”

“Five Georgians picked for Children’s Congress to lobby for diabetes research,” the Neighbor, June 27, 2019

“Cartersville 10-year-old shares diabetes experience with U.S. legislators,” The Daily Tribune News, August 5, 2019