Age: 17
Age at T1D diagnosis: 8

When Natalie was diagnosed with T1D at just eight years old, she received a visit in the hospital from a friend from school who also had T1D (and a shiny pink insulin pump!). This visit inspired Natalie, and she left the hospital feeling motivated and determined to conquer life with T1D. She has certainly achieved that already, as she’s a fourth-year student at California State University Los Angeles and is majoring in electrical engineering while minoring in mathematics as part of their Early Entrance Program. In her spare time, Natalie loves to travel, spend time with her family and friends, volunteer and help to raise funds for T1D research through participating in events like the JDRF One Walk. Natalie is excited to come to D.C. and speak with her Members of Congress about T1D and the importance of research, noting that because of the progress that has been made so far, “where I once despaired, I now have found hope.”

“Teen With Type 1 Diabetes Advocates for More Research and Cure,” Spectrum News 1, June 24, 2019

“Positively Inspirational: 17-Year-Old College Student Fights for Type 1 Awareness,” Diabetes Self-Management, June 21, 2019