Garrett Kurtz

I was T1D diagnosed in 2005 when I was seven. While I have interacted with diabetes tech since 2006, I have always sought to use my diagnosis as a way to “empower myself.” I live my life off the idea that the “obstacle is the way – what stands in the way becomes the way.” Through this lens I have been able to live my life freely unshackled by my diabetes. I am a former elite competitive tennis player who was recruited and played for the top 5 Division I Men’s Tennis program at the University of San Diego, graduating in 2021. Alongside playing in professional tennis tournaments, I was honored in 2018 with the Novo Nordisk Donnelly Award (presented by Billie Jean King) – which honors one male and one female tennis player living with diabetes based on their accomplishments. Having played at the highest level of my sport, I have not let my diabetes stop me in anyway. I seek to give back to my community. I am a volunteer at Camp Hendon, the biggest non profit diabetes organization in the Upper South in Kentucky. I seek to use my own story to empower others and encourage the youth that they can do anything with their diabetes – it is up to you how you look at it.