Age: 11
Age at T1D diagnosis: 7

As an accomplished pianist and T1D advocate, Rachel hits all the right notes. “I really believe that one day we will find a cure to help millions of other children out there battling type 1 diabetes, just like me. A cure would mean no more finger pricks or having that weight on my shoulders making me worry about whether my blood-sugar numbers are high or low.”

Rachel helps others by speaking at support groups, meeting with newly diagnosed people at her local hospital, and helping her classmates understand T1D. Rachel has played the piano since she was four and has received two gold cups from the National Federation of Music Clubs. She also loves tap, jazz, and ballet dancing, and writing. She hopes to become an author or a teacher when she grows up.