Age: 13
Age at Diagnosis: 4

Sydnie loves all things science and math—she hopes to one day attend UCLA and become a chemical scientist. She really enjoys singing, playing piano and viola, learning foreign languages like Mandarin and Spanish. She plays several sports for her school, including field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, swimming, and track. Sydnie is especially proud of staying active in sports while maintaining good grades in advanced classes.

Sydnie is a JDRF Youth Ambassador and has participated in JDRF One Walk and TypeOneNation Summits. She and her mom also mentor newly diagnosed families. “I try to help them understand that everyone has something, and that being unique is good, not bad.” Sydnie has also spoken many times to Members of Congress about how legislation has a direct impact on people with T1D. “To those looking at me, T1D is invisible. So, when someone needs to put a face to their work towards a cure, I gladly volunteer.”