Samantha was already familiar with diabetes when she was diagnosed at age 13; her younger brother was diagnosed when he was three. Adjusting to diabetes was not always easy, but, Samantha says, "Diabetes has not set me back or discouraged me from my normal routines and goals in my life."

Samantha was already familiar with diabetes when she was diagnosed at age 13; her younger brother was diagnosed when he was three. Adjusting to diabetes was not always easy, but, Samantha says, "Diabetes has not set me back or discouraged me from my normal routines and goals in my life." She enjoys art and photography, and is active in many sports, including soccer and lacrosse. Recently, she and her family hiked 13 miles through the Grand Canyon in one day. Samantha was also awarded the Triple "C" Award by the New York State Attorney General's Office for her character, courage, and commitment. One day, Samantha would like to be a journalist and write about her journey with diabetes. Samantha, who has helped raise $25,000 for JDRF with her family's Walk team, "Super Siggias," hopes to help Congress understand what life is like for people with type 1.