Age: 9
Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Sydney is the only kid at her school with T1D, but because of her efforts, her classmates and teachers know a great deal about the disease. “Most people don’t know that much about type 1 diabetes. When I meet new friends, they stare at me getting my sugar checked and stare at my pump. I do whatever I can to make people aware of type 1 diabetes and help them learn more about it.”

Sydney helps other kids understand by speaking about T1D at her school and summer camp each year with her parents. She also organized Pumped Up!, her JDRF Walk team, and has spoken with government officials about T1D research. She is an avid swimmer and has earned her purple belt in karate. When Sydney grows up, she would like to be an Olympic swimmer.