Age: 16
Age at T1D Diagnosis: 15 months

Merrill is thrilled to be coming back to Washington, D.C. with her family for her second JDRF Children’s Congress. In the ten years that have passed since her first go-around as a delegate, Merrill has grown up quite a bit, but remains as committed as ever to making life better for every person affected by T1D. She loves ceramics, playing volleyball, speaking Mandarin and doing outdoor activities, like skiing and scuba diving, with her friends and family. In school, she particularly enjoys math and science. In addition to participating in the JDRF One Walk with her team Punkin’s Peeps, Merrill enjoys reaching out and connecting with newly diagnosed families and others with T1D.

“Youth With Type 1 Diabetes Selected to Participate in 2019 JDRF Children’s Congress,” dLife, June 21, 2019

“150 Youth with Type 1 Diabetes Selected to Participate in 2019 JDRF Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C.,” PR Newswire, June 20, 2019