Meet Our CDF Advocates

Meet Walker. She is 12 years old and in 7th grade. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 5, the summer before starting kindergarten. She loves to dance ballet, cook, draw, be around any and all animals, and spend time with her friends. She spends every summer in Maine playing in the water, building campfires, and shining her light on her East Coast family. When she grows up she wants to be a chemist or run an animal rescue. She wishes people knew more about type 1, especially that it’s not contagious.

My name is Caleb, I was diagnosed with T1D when I was 2, so I've been managing it for most of my life. Now I'm 9 years old and in 4th grade. I love playing basketball, Robox and hanging out with my friends. Having T1D since I was little has taught me a lot about taking care of my blood sugar. It can be tough, but I don’t let it stop me from doing what I enjoy. I work with my parents and my school nurse to stay healthy.

My name is Zoe, and I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was just 8 months old. I love playing Uno, watching TV with my brother, riding my bike, drawing, and playing with my toys. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and going to the park!

My name is Annalise and I have had type 1 diabetes for 1 month now. I have realized how strong and brave I am this month. I live in Boston now, but am originally from New Orleans and have family in CA. I love swimming, dancing, playing at the beach, art, and take violin, ballet and tennis lessons. My favorite food is a bean and cheese burrito and my favorite treat is king cake! I love the color rainbow, and playing with my unicorns and stuffed animals. I treat my low blood sugars with honey and fruit roll ups. I am thankful that my mom has type 1 diabetes also and can teach me everything I need to know to take care of my diabetes.

My name is Mia & I’m 12 years old. I was diagnosed with T1D in early January 2022, when I was 9 years old. I love all things beauty, sports, playing with my dogs & hanging out with my friends. Outside of school, I swim year-round and play basketball, tennis & softball.

Hi I’m Ellie!  I’m 6 years old and was diagnosed with Stage 1 T1D on 11/16/2022 and Stage 2 T1D on 1/11/23.  I was able to receive Tzield infusions in February of 2023 to help protect my Beta Cells!  I love to swim, ski and play soccer as well as play outdoors and spend time with my family.  When I grow up I want to be a teacher or a vet!

My name is Ellie and I was diagnosed with T1D in July 2024. I love to dance, especially ballet and jazz. I also love to ski with my family. My favorite places to ski are Winter Park and Eldora. I also love to draw and read. My favorite books right now are the Geronimo Stilton series. I have a younger brother named Kieran (who is very funny) and a 14 year old dog named Tippy (who is very sweet). When I was diagnosed with T1D, my pediatrician gave me a stuffed duck who I named "Ducky". Ducky goes to all of my BDC appointments and helps me during all of my pump site and CGM changes.

My name is Drew Blackwelder. I was diagnosed with Type 1 in August 2020 on the first day of 2nd grade. I am in 6th grade at Louisville Middle School. I love playing and watching sports especially football, basketball and baseball. I have also been part of many plays including Seussical, Shrek and Music Man. I play the baritone and am learning the saxophone as well. This Summer will be my 4th year attending Camp Sweeney an awesome camp for kids with diabetes in Texas.

I’m Anna!  I am 8 years old and I was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 3 years old.  I don’t remember life without T1D.  Having diabetes makes me feel special.  I love playing soccer, tennis and skiing as well as reading and spending time with my family.  When I grow up I want to be a pediatric endocrinologist.

My name is Mari, I am 8 years old and was diagnosed with T1D in kindergarten when I was 6. I love tennis, lacrosse, skiing, reading, and art. I’m learning to play chess and the piano. My favorite low snacks are grapes and m&ms.

My name is Cami Carnegie and I’ve had type 1 for 5 years. I was diagnosed when I was 8. I dance and play tennis. I love animals and math is my favorite subject in school. I like spending time with my friends and family. I love being at the beach and hope to live by the beach when I’m older.

My name is Emma and I’ve had Type 1 Diabetes for 8 years. I like the Colorado Avalanche and the San Jose Sharks hockey teams. I play varsity level basketball as a freshman in high school. I enjoy volleyball and soccer on the side. I have a goal to become a disability attorney in the future.

My name is Allen, I have had type 1 diabetes for 3 years now. I am in second grade and live playing my nintendo switch. Some of my favorite things are pokemon, minecraft, and dude perfect

Hi! My name is London Glassburn, I was diagnosed with T1D February 16, 2016, at the age of 5. I love to do volleyball, ride horses, helping my parents, dressing up, helping with cows and chickens, and hanging out with my friends.

Meet Brody! Brody is 12 years old and in 6th Grade. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 9 years old. Brody loves anything and everything to do with football! He is the Denver Broncos’ number one fan. He also loves to play basketball, run track and play the guitar. He is an incredible friend and family member and always puts others first. When Brody grows up he wishes to be a pro football player and to be voted ‘man of the year’ for being a role model and mentor to other Type 1’s.

Meet Everly! She is 10 years old and in 5th Grade. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 2 years old. She loves to play soccer, run track and anything else in the spirit of competition! Her favorite thing to do is anything that includes her best pal and brother, Brody. She is creative, sweet and fiercely loyal and loving to her friends and family. When Everly grows up she wishes to be a doctor and scientist, inventing insulin pods that are small and painless to apply. She has an amazing spirit and has never met a stranger!

My name is Maisie and I've had type 1 for just over 2 years.  My interests are ballet, swim team, hanging out with my friends and family, playing with my dog and playing Mario cart.  I just got my first pair of pointe shoes and they are awesome!  In 5th grade this semester, I get to be in The Lion King kids at my school.

My name is Ellie Hampton and I am 12 years old. I live in Illinois on our family farm. I was diagnosed with Type 1 when I was 6. Even though living with diabetes is hard, I don’t let it stop me from achieving my goals and doing what I enjoy. I enjoy softball, tumbling, volleyball and showing cattle. I am the Reporter of my 4-H club and am active in my community. When I grow up I want to be a Comsetologist. I want to help people feel beautiful.

I’m Alice and I’ve had type one diabetes for about seven years. I’m interested in learning animation and being an animator someday. I love my dog, playing video games and doing gymnastics.

My name is Henley Harris. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes six years ago when I was 2. I don’t remember a lot before being diagnosed. One of my favorite things is playing and watching sports. I play lacrosse and rugby in spring and fall. In the winter I like to ski. And in summer my family does long rafting and kayaking trips. I love adventure and we travel a lot. My sister is my best friend and always look out for me. She even carries my low supplies. When I grow up I want to be a skydiving instructor, and the first diabetic to fly in outer space.

My name is Sarah and I was diagnosed in February of 2021. I love participating in Scouts BSA (I am an Eagle Scout), camping, competing in triathlons, running, playing soccer, skiing, biking, spending time with my family, and biking.. I love school and am working on an Asscociates degree in Secure Computing. When I graduate from high school I would like to become a Biomedical Engineer and design new technology to make living with T1D even easier until the cure is found.

Hi! I am Alex.  I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 4 years old and don’t remember life without Type 1 Diabetes. I fly airplanes (yes, the real ones), have run several half and full marathons, and I also run on the cross country and track teams with my high school.  I do not let my diabetes get in the way! I love my Diabetic Alert Dog, Sadie. I am planning on studying Aeronautical Engineering in college this fall. I hope that one day there will be a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. This sweet boy told his mom once that having Type 1 Diabetes makes him a little more special.

My name is Frankie. I’ve had diabetes for 7 years. I’m in fourth grade and my favorite subject is math. Swimming is my sport and my dad is my coach. I’m also active in Girl Scouts. Seeing live music is my favorite thing.

My name is Hadley, and I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was 5 years old and Celiac Disease at 4 years old. I love art and music—I play piano, write my own songs, and recently started learning guitar. I also enjoy skiing, lacrosse, and traveling with my family. T1D doesn't stop me from doing all the things I love!

Hi! My name is Keaton Isakson. I am 13 years old and in the 8th grade. I have been living with type 1 diabetes for over 11 years and was diagnosed when I was only 2 years old. I don’t let it stop me socially, academically or in my sports. I’m a straight A student and love to volunteer with my friends. I’m on student leadership with my church and play a lot of tennis and lacrosse. I love being an Advocate for CDF because we get to raise awareness and help fund research towards finding a cure, all while meeting incredible people and friends along the way.

My name is Maddie Johannes. I love to sing, swim, ski, mountain bike and play basketball. I was diagnosed with T1D on January 9, 2019.

My name is Izzabella Jones and I have had Type 1 for 3 years. I am currently in 8th grade at Oberon Middle School in Arvada. I love my advanced theater class, playing tennis, camping, and hanging with my parents and two Golden Retrievers, Finn and Keeva.

My name is Kenton and I have had type 1 for almost 2 years. I’m almost 12 years old and like to play golf, tennis, baseball, basketball, flag football, and spend time with my family and friends.

My name is Hailey and I was diagnosed with type 1 when I was two years old.  I don't remember a time when I didn't have type 1. I love to play volleyball and most of all enjoy acting and singing.  At school I am involved in Beta Club, Academic Decathlon and am the treasurer for student council.  I enjoy playing with my dog and going to the mountains with my family.  I love theater and I dream of performing on Broadway someday.

My name is Grant, I've had type 1 for one year. I run varsity cross country and track for my high school team. I would like to help others realize type 1 doesn't have to slow you down. My goal is to run for a Division 1 University and study engineering.

My name is Gracie Lambrecht and I am 17 years old! I have been living with Type One Diabetes for 13 years. While it can be challenging sometimes, I wouldn’t have my life any other way, as being a T1D has given me so many amazing opportunities to make friends, share my experiences, and help others! In my free time, I enjoy playing competitive soccer for the Colorado Rapids, competing on Broomfield High School Varsity Mock Trial, and riding horses. I am fortunate to be attending Cornell College in the Fall where I will be playing NCAA Division 3 soccer and look to further my education in Law and Spanish! I have been an advocate with CSF since 2018 and hope to continue inspiring others and educating the community about what it’s like to live with Type One Diabetes.

Hi, I’m Evan. I like NASCAR, Nintendo, Pokémon, biking, swimming, and skiing. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on December 8th, 2021.

My name is Josh and I have had diabetes for 6 years. I love to build robotics and play soccer. I have two golden retrievers who love popcorn.

My name is Matti and I have had T1D for 2.5 years. I love to dance and have been with Revolution Dance Academy for 6 years. After my diagnosis, I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to dance anymore. With the support of CDF, the Barbara Davis Center and my dance studio, I have been able to safely return to dance and am so grateful for the support I receive when I am there, thank you Miss Toni and RDA for everything! When I am not dancing, I enjoy horseback riding, hanging out with my little sisters, spending time with my friends, fishing/hiking, making jewelry and listening to music. This is my 3rd year applying to be a youth advocate with CDF and I hope to continue spreading awareness and raising funds for CDF in the years to come.

My name is Marissa and I’ve had type 1 diabetes for almost 5 years. I’m in 5th grade and love to dance, play basketball, love to sing and make bracelets! When I get older I wish to become a baker and own my own company!

My name is Chesney Martin and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and have been a type 1 warrior for 8 years. I love traveling the world, skiing in the mountains, going to live music, playing basketball, soccer, and golf. My favorite is spending time with my family and I have such amazing friends. My family and friends make up my incredible support system. By being an advocate I hope to open the minds of others, stop stereotypes, break barriers, and continue to raise awareness. My ultimate goal is to find a CURE!

My name is Emma. I was diagnosed just after I turned six, seven years ago. I am active in volleyball, soccer, and the school theatre.

My name is Olivia and I am 16 years old. I've had type one diabetes for 6 years. I am a junior in high school. I run cross country, play soccer and ski. I love books, iced coffee, and of course spending time with friends and family. I hope to be a role model for youth with type one and would love to pursue a career in pediatric nursing one day.

My name is Toby Newmark and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes the day after my seventh birthday. More recently, I was diagnosed with Celiac as well. I am passionate about playing soccer and hockey, and I love to ski and mountain bike too! My dog's name is Macky and he is my protector and best friend. I want other kids to know that having diabetes doesn't hold you back from doing all the fun things you like!

My name is Audrey and I was diagnosed with type 1 last March. I love dancing, music, gymnastics, swimming, dressing up, my new pet gerbils, and making friends. I hope to make more friends who have type 1!

My name is Cooper and I have had Type 1 Diabetes since I was 5 so almost 4 years. At first, it was hard to understand why I have to count carbs, having finger pokes and site changes but now I understand it much better. I always tell my friends that I have T1D but it's not like COVID- you can't catch it! I play lots of sports but soccer is my favorite. I hope I can help other kids who are new to Type 1 Diabetes or sad about having it. I feel lucky to have type 1 because I get to go to fun camps and feel special at BDC.

My name is Kelsie Peterson I was diagnosed with T1D when I was in first grade. I am currently in 6th grade. I like to dance and ski, I just started to learn to play the trumpet this year and am in the school musical.

Hi my name is Marin Ray and I am 15 years old! I was diagnosed with T1D when I was 2 years old. I love to play lacrosse and travel all over the country for different tournaments! I also play field hockey, flag football and ski a lot. When I grow up I want to play college lacrosse and become a doctor to help and create impact on people the same way others did for me!

Hi! My name is Margot and I have had Type 1 Diabetes for 14 years! I was diagnosed with Type 1 when I was two years old. I have been an advocate for 10 years for the Children's Diabetes Foundation. I love being an advocate because I get to meet so many wonderful people and share my story about diabetes with them. I am currently a sophomore at Rock Canyon High School. I play high school and club volleyball, and it is one of my favorite things to do in my free time. At school, I am a part of Medical Club, Bake My Day, and Create for Kids. I also participate in my school news and I found out I love being in front of the camera! I love to hang out with friends and drive my Jeep around town!

Hi! My name is Jacob, I've had type 1 since I was 2 years old.  When I'm not at school I like to spend time with my friends and my younger brother, Asher.  I love to work on computer programming, game development, and I love to ski.  I have gotten to do so many cool things because I have diabetes and I want other kids to know that even though it can be a very tough disease to have there are positive sides to it also.

My name is Sophia and I was diagnosed with Type 1 almost 7 years ago. It is hard for me to explain all the negative effects of living with Type 1 but I can talk about all the good things that come with living with Type 1. The first is being involved with the childrens diabetes foundation events and the events sponsored by the Barbara Davis Center.  I would say the second great thing about living with Type 1 is the fact that I can go to Diabetes camp!  I look forward to camp all year long. I have met some really close friends through my diagnosis and even feel that the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes has made me work hard in all that I do, including school and sport. My favorite sports are Hockey, Basketball and Volleyball. I also enjoy skiing, swimming and horseback riding!

Hi my name is Asher, I was identified with T1D autoantibodies in 2022 and I am currently being monitored for T1D.  In my free time I like to play with my friends, build all sorts of things, do Lego Robotics and ski.

My name is Makenli Schoonover and I love playing with my pets, eating Raising Canes and talking to my friends on the phone. I was diagnosed with T1D 2 years ago when I was 10 years old.

My name is Miles Scott, I’m 16 years old, and was diagnosed with Type 1 on my 5th Birthday. I’ve been a CDF advocate for nearly 9 years. I don’t let diabetes stop me from living a full life. I enjoy playing tennis on my high school team, weightlifting, playing guitar, traveling and skiing. I have a passion for cars, and hope to acquire a pretty nice collection in my future. I hope that someday there’s a cure for diabetes but until then I’m really grateful for the new technology to make our lives easier.

My name is Camden Sokol, and I’ve been living with Type 1 Diabetes for the past five years. I love crafting and art, whether it’s building with foam board or needlepointing. To stay active I participate on my high school track team, and I enjoy exploring nature on all our Colorado trails and hikes. For fun I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies, and hanging out with friends both in and out of school. Connecting with others and discovering new friendships is very important to me. If you ask me about my favorite animal, it’s definitely the giraffe, although I have a huge love for dogs too! Purple is my favorite color, but green isn’t far behind. Something else about me is I am a huge foodie, ramen definitely being my favorite comfort dish!

Ryder is an exceptional 11-year-old who has shown remarkable resilience since he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 3. His steadfast positivity and courageous spirit have allowed him to manage his diabetes while fully enjoying life, playing everyday, and inspiring everyone around him. Ryder stays busy with  jujitsu, basketball, skiing, and soccer. Ryder loves to spend time in the mountains and  with his family and he has been a great support of newly diagnosed kids at his school. An avid learner, he’s delving into coding and has an enthusiastic interest in nature, animals, and dinosaurs. Ryder is a true embodiment of resilience, compassion, and boundless potential.

Hi! My name is Kendall, and I am 17 years old. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 23 months old, so I don’t remember life without it. I’m always down to have a conversation about my experience with T1D. I love meeting different people, grabbing food with my friends, staying active, getting outdoors, and trying new things. I hope to educate and inspire confidence in T1D youth that spills over into every aspect of their lives.

My name is Wyatt, I’m 9 years old. I was diagnosed right after my 8th birthday. My Mom took me to the doctor and then we went to Children’s Hospital right away on September 23, 2022. I play baseball and basketball, I also like playing outside with my friends.

My name is Gavin Volden and I have had type 1 diabetes for 8.5 years. I love to ride dirt bikes and play my drums. I don’t let diabetes stop me from doing amazing things! I love advocating for more support and education for type 1.

My name is Emerson and I have had type 1 diabetes for 7 years. I love playing sports, especially soccer. I have loved being an CDF Advocate and attending the Gala and Brass Ring events. When I grow up I want to be a soccer player and a baker.