See our advocates. See T1D.

Advocacy is critical to advancing breakthroughs for the entire type 1 diabetes (T1D) community. Through nonpartisan and grassroots support, we advance treatments, influence policy, and improve global access to care.

Breakthrough T1D advocates strengthen the voice of the T1D community. They engage with their Members of Congress to share their personal connections to T1D, articulating the emotional, financial, and physical costs of the condition, and the importance of Federal funding for T1D research.

Our advocates have been the driving force behind renewal of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), a critical government program that provides $160 million annually to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) exclusively for T1D research.

Together, our advocates change how people see T1D.

Thom Solo Advocate and Founder, Thom Solo Shoes

Thom Solo

Advocate and Founder, Thom Solo Shoes

“We need to be advocating for ourselves. We need to be speaking up…because we’re the ones living it.”

Parth Advocate, New York

Parth

Advocate, New York

“SDP funding is extremely important for the type 1 diabetes community because it funds the next generation of research.”

Madison Carter Advocate & Broadcast Journalist

Madison Carter

Advocate & Broadcast Journalist

“By using our voices, by telling people what we need and how it’s impacting our lives, advocacy works.”

Christina Advocate, Utah

Christina

Advocate, Utah

“I’ve been able to see the true impact that advocacy has on Capitol Hill. We’re giving a voice to people who have type 1 diabetes. It makes them feel empowered.”

Hale Advocate, California

Hale

Advocate, California

“I’ve lived with T1D for 37 years. I’m proud to be an advocate for cures, better treatment, and better quality of life. The freedom I’ve been able to experience as a result of investments in technology have really been life-changing.”

Lilly Advocate & 2025 Children’s Congress Delegate

Lilly

Advocate & 2025 Children’s Congress Delegate

“I don’t know anything but life with type 1 diabetes, and I’m thriving. I want people to know that.”

Bryce Advocate, New York

Bryce

Advocate, New York

“I often feel like type 1 diabetes is overlooked. Any way I’m able to give back and represent those who aren’t able to use their voices is really important to me.”

Ava August Advocate & Singer/Songwriter

Ava August

Advocate & Singer/Songwriter

“Now, more than ever, we need voices to amplify what’s going on in the research field. It’s important for Congress to see all of the people who are affected by this disease on a daily basis.”

Joel Advocate, Texas

Joel

Advocate, Texas

“Being on Capitol Hill and to advocate to our congressmen is the most important thing that I feel I do every year. It’s the most rewarding.”

DeeDee Advocate, Texas

DeeDee

Advocate, Texas

“You can make a difference because your story means the most to your representative.”

Evan Advocate, California

Evan

Advocate, California

“I’ve lived with T1D for 11 years now and the improved access to technology in that time is, honestly, incredible.”

Jill Advocate, Michigan

Jill

Advocate, Michigan

“We have actually lived all the changes that were brought about by Federal funding for T1D research. My son was on shots and a blood-glucose meter that took up to a minute for results. Now he wears an automated insulin delivery system, and that’s all thanks to Federal funding.”