Age: 16
Age at T1D diagnosis: 4

Growing up, Taya shared more than the toys and snacks that most kids split with their siblings. Taya, her brother, and her sister all share a T1D diagnosis. “Living with type 1 diabetes was pretty hard on my family at first, but we have learned to live with it. It is something that has become part of our life, and we have to deal with it.”

Though they know how to manage T1D, Taya and her family still hold out hope for a cure for the disease. They participate in JDRF Walks, join support and awareness groups, and were featured in their hospital’s magazine. Taya plays hockey, volleyball, and soccer. She has received the Presidential Academic Award for her high grades. And she loves to babysit. She hopes to attend the University of North Dakota and become a pediatrician.