Age: 17
Age at Diagnosis: 12

Natalia became a JDRF Youth Ambassador pretty soon after being diagnosed with T1D, and she credits that with helping her to adjust to life with T1D. “It used to be that I couldn’t talk about my diagnosis without tearing up, but now I educate, advocate and speak up for the T1D community. When I became a Youth Ambassador, I fell in love with the sense of community, and now I volunteer any chance I get.”

Natalia has been painting since she was 6 years old, and has also gotten really involved in the performing arts at school. She is incredibly family oriented and will be quick to tell you that she considers her mom to be her best friend. An avid reader, Natalia would love to travel the world writing books one day, but she also would love to become a traveling labor and delivery nurse.

“Teen lobbyist from Chula Vista to meet with Congress, hoping to keep diabetes funding alive,” NBC 7 San Diego, June 21, 2023

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JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our strength lies in our exclusive focus and singular influence on the worldwide effort to end T1D.