Sophia

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at one year old and started the use of a pump at only four years old. As a senior in high school now, I understand my illness and realize that every moment alive is precious and never should be taken for granted, including those thousands of hours spent dealing with needles, doctors, calculating carbs, and treating those highs and lows. A major part of my journey is advocating for myself and others. Since elementary school, I would go to classes and explain to other children my age what Type 1 diabetes is about and how they can contribute to easing some of the complications that their friends or family could experience. Having pride in my journey has allowed me to push myself to achieve great things and stop the spread of the stigmas around diabetes as a whole. The main objective for me is to share with the world what diabetes is about and push myself and others to advocate or innovate to help find a cure.