Margarita Aguilar RN, BSN, is the proud mom to Rohan, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of two in 2018. They have attended Friends for Life Orlando since 2019. Margarita is pursuing a Master’s Degree as Family Nurse Practitioner from The University of Texas at Arlington. She enjoys spending time with her son, teaching him about his diabetes management as he grows older to advocate for himself and others with T1D, all while maintaining a positive outlook.

Tanner Barton, MCHES, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age eight in 2003. An avid swimmer, Tanner swam competitively at the NCAA Division I level for four years. He was a 4-year Mid-American Conference (MAC) finalist in the 200 Butterfly, and he was recognized as the 2017 conference male student-athlete of the year. Following graduation, Tanner began coaching at the collegiate level. He is the Head Swimming & Diving Coach at Bowling Green State University, though he also enjoys helping younger swimmers as they learn to race. Besides swimming, Tanner enjoys various forms of physical activity; he traded in swim goggles for running shoes and completed the 2019 NYC Marathon. In addition to T1D, Tanner lives with celiac disease. He is looking forward to befriending and empowering all who are attending FFL!

Rebekah Berg is the wife of Eric Berg and mom to five children including their warrior son Isaac, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of six in 2022. Their family attended their first Friends for Life Orlando in 2023 where they finally felt understood. She is the Athletic Director, Physical Education teacher for kindergarten through eighth grade, and the Foreign Language teacher at a small school in West Virginia. In addition, she founded and coached the school's middle school Track, Cross Country, and the elementary running program from 2016 to 2023. Rebekah enjoys all things Disney, reading, spending time with her family, loving on the family's five cats and one dog, and teaching others about type 1 by debunking common myths.

Russell Brown is going into his senior year at Bentley University, studying Marketing and Business Administrations. In his spare time, Russell enjoys practicing and playing golf and basketball. He also played soccer in High School. Russell grew up in Connecticut and loved playing sports. Diabetes never stopped him from doing the things he loved, and he hopes to help teach that to others with type 1 diabetes and loved ones of green bands.

Martyn Carr, BSc, RN, lives in Scotland and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was five years old. Martyn earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University West of Scotland. Martyn met his wife Chelsea at the Friends for Life Conference in Orlando and he is now Dad to son Owynn (born May 2021). He has participated in the Friends for Life conferences in the United States, Scotland, and England for many years, working within the Elementary, Tween, Teen age groups and Sport central team. Martyn loves attending FFL conferences where he gets to help others with diabetes and see his friends.

Abby Deltano is 19 years old and has lived with type 1 diabetes for almost eight years. She first attended Friends for Life in 2018 and found really great people from day one. Ever since she was 11 years old, managing type 1 diabetes has been hard but hasn’t held her back from playing volleyball, figure skating, skiing, and doing absolutely whatever she wanted. It’s taught her a lot about how to overcome difficult situations, and Abby credits her my mom for so much of that. Abby also has a passion for writing, drawing, and anything she's able to create with her hands. She works as a full time veterinary assistant and loves coming home at the end of the day knowing she has helped somebody’s pet. Abby can’t wait to meet and see everybody again at FFL!

Bj Garceau is a dynamic and inspiring figure in the Type 1 diabetes community. Diagnosed in 1982, she proudly became the first female fighter in America with Type 1 diabetes, showcasing her resilience and determination. With a knack for humor, Bj brings light to serious challenges, making her a relatable advocate for many. As a sterile processing technician, she merges her medical knowledge with her passion for health, championing a plant-based lifestyle. A dedicated member of the Diabetes Sports Project, Bj is an enthusiastic runner who encourages others to stay active and embrace their journeys. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is a devoted dog mom and loving wife, actively celebrating her identity within the LGBTQ+ community.

Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, MS, ACSM-CEP, CPT, CDCES, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Ave Maria University in Florida and a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Along the way, she has studied the effects of various forms of exercise on glucose levels and enjoys developing basic and advanced exercise prescriptions for patients. She provides one-on-one guidance for patients looking for individualized exercise plans, runs group exercise classes and provides diabetes education specializing in very young people with diabetes and those using do it yourself systems.

Jade Gorman was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on February 1, 2018, at age 13. She is currently a junior in college looking to pursue a career in sports. She grew up as a gymnast and is now playing college lacrosse. This will be Jade's third year as a volunteer. She is always happy to play volleyball, pass around a football, have a handstand contest, or even play monkey-in-the-middle. Don't be shy, come say hi!

Bailey Grainda has had Type 1 for 19 years, was diagnosed at 13 months old, and has been attending Friends for Life for 15 years. Bailey lives in New Orleans, LA, and is a sophomore at Tulane University and is pursuing a degree in Design. For work, Bailey works at a bagel shop and does photography at live music venues. During her time at school, she loves to sing with her acapella group, be around friends, take pictures, eat good food, play some of her instruments, and go see local live bands! Bailey is so excited to be able to work on staff with the people that provided her inspiration throughout the years and hopes that she can do the same for those that attend! Bailey can’t wait to spend time meeting new people and friends!

Jamilynn Page, RN, BSN, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 15. She works as a Registered Nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes. She came to her first conference at Friends for Life last year in 2024 and immediately fell in love with the community. Jamilynn is currently pursing her CDCES. Outside of her professional development, she’s a proud mother to energetic two-year-old twins who bring joy, laughter, and a fair share of adventure to every day.

Rhianna Rinderknecht Rhianna Rinderknecht was diagnosed with T1D in 2017 and has been attending FFL conferences since 2020. She is currently working towards her BSN at the University of Alabama and hopes to one day become a Diabetes Nurse Educator. She enjoys meeting new people every year and looks forward to seeing her group of lifelong friends that get it!