Age: 9
Age at T1D diagnosis: 10 months

Will, an award-winning storyteller, has one tale to tell at this year’s Children’s Congress. “I hope to tell my story about how I was diagnosed when I was 10 months old and the struggles I have gone through, but also the wonderful things that research has done for me and how it makes my life better—and why it is so important to keep the research going.”

With his family and younger brother Jake, who also has T1D, Will participates in local JDRF Walks, raises funds for research, and educates local students. A gifted athlete who plays football and baseball, Will has also won awards for his skills on the piano and honors for songwriting. When he grows up, he hopes to become a Major League Baseball player, a National Park Service ranger, and a musician.