Age: 12
Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Like son, like father? That’s right. Rory was a six-year-old living with T1D when his father, Rhett, was diagnosed as well. Since then, they have fought T1D together, adapting to using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) together, and then learning how to use insulin pumps to manage their disease. For the past nine years, they and the rest of their family have participated in the Louisiana Chapter’s JDRF One Walk event as ‘Team Rory’s Mission,’ raising more than $123,000 for T1D research. The team’s motto: “Diabetes: I will not be defined, I will not be owned, and I will not be stopped.” When he’s not fundraising for JDRF, Rory is a percussionist in his school band and a member of the Student Council, 4-H and Science Clubs. He is also a proud member of the division State Champs Lafourche Legacy 05 Competitive Soccer team.

Children meet with lawmakers to advocate for juvenile diabetes cure / WVLA / July 27, 2017

Local 11-year old to represent Louisiana at JDRF Children’s Congress / the LaFourche Gazette / June 9, 2017