Every two years, more than 160 children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) between the ages of 4 – 17 gather in Washington, D.C., to meet face-to-face with some of the top decision-makers in the U.S. Government. Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress will take place from July 7 – 9, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The selected Delegates represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Breakthrough T1D’s five International Affiliates. As participants in Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress, Delegates have a unique and empowering opportunity to help Members of Congress understand what life with T1D is like, while forming lasting bonds with fellow youth who live with this autoimmune disease.

Meet the 2025 Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress NorCal Delegates:

Chase

Age 17, Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Chase was diagnosed 11 years ago at age 5. He is now 17 and a junior in high school. Chase has never let T1D slow him down, literally! He’s a competitive skier and golfer.

He is extremely thankful for all the technology he has seen evolve over the past 11 years since he was diagnosed, including his CGM and insulin pump technology, which use an algorithm to help keep his blood sugar in range. Chase is thrilled to participate in Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress and play a role for California in advocating for T1D research.

Everett

Age 14, Age at T1D diagnosis: 3

Everett has always been curious about the world, especially why his body wasn’t functioning normally. He has also always wondered why it is not simple to develop legislation around T1D. As he grew up, he realized that he could make a lasting impact.

Everett has many other interests, from over nine years of playing piano to participating in a multitude of theatrical productions. As an avid piano player and adamant Taylor Swift fan, he appreciates and seeks out music. He loves science, the Socratic Method, and learning what and how people think. Everett did a year-long capstone project in which he raised almost a thousand dollars, which was donated to Breakthrough T1D. He also participated in a clinical trial to test the 780G Medtronic pump.

Everett is a skilled debater and strategist who is not afraid to take on an opponent. One of Everett’s best gifts, however, is his ability to make people smile and feel heard. He knows what it is like to be different, as do other kids with T1D, and really engages to draw from and honor people’s experiences.

Juliet

Age 16, Age at T1D diagnosis: 11

Juliet is a high school sophomore who loves to write sports journalism and learn chemistry. She wears a Dexcom G7 and takes insulin shots to monitor and control her blood sugars. Juliet wants to work in medicine and nutrition to help other people with T1D live a happy and healthy life.

Juliet was diagnosed with T1D 4 years ago when she was 11. Since then, she has participated in and hosted multiple Breakthrough T1D Walks and helped raise over $200,000 for T1D research. She believes that raising awareness as a youth advocate is a significant cause and that with persistence and determination, a cure for T1D is right around the corner.

Landon

Age 4, Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Landon is a skillful, athletic young boy with an energetic curiosity for all that life offers. He’s an avid soccer player, excels in his preschool, and wants to be an astronaut when he grows up.

Landon and his family love meeting other T1D warriors! He calls his CGM his “button” and insulin his “Super Juice.”

Through the support of his parents and the T1D community, he is empowered to chase his dreams and not be held back from doing anything.

Olivia

Age 10, Age at T1D diagnosis: 1

Olivia has a passion for adventure and creativity! She loves gymnastics, horseback riding, and crocheting, and she’s always up for spending time with friends. Olivia was diagnosed with T1D when she was just 12 months old and took some of her first steps down the halls of the hospital at UCSF. She has navigated toddlerhood, preschool, and now elementary school—all while managing T1D with resilience and courage.

Olivia enjoys helping others understand T1D and showing that it doesn’t stop her from doing what she loves. She is excited to be part of Children’s Congress and use her voice to make a difference for everyone living with T1D!

Reese

Age 14, Age at T1D diagnosis: 6

Reese loves to perform, both in dance and musical theater. Music has always been her passion, whether she is performing on stage or listening on her headphones. Due to the medical knowledge she has gained from living with T1D, she envisions being a doctor or surgeon in the future; she would love to help people the way that nurses and doctors helped her.

Reese was diagnosed at age 6 and has since grown to be more comfortable making her T1D devices visible and sharing her story. Her advocacy efforts have included speaking at the NorCal Hope Gala, presenting a survey project on rising insulin prices at her church, and volunteering at a number of Walks along the West Coast. Reese is also inspired by her parents’ work with content creators in promoting diverse voices and causes across YouTube and Twitch.

Spencer

Age 16, Age at T1D diagnosis: 2

Spencer is a junior in high school and a dedicated lacrosse player. He’s passionate about photography, loves traveling, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. He has big goals for the future and hopes to attend a four-year university, where he plans to study math or science. No matter what career he chooses, he wants to do something meaningful that makes a real impact. T1D has shaped his life in many ways, but it doesn’t define him—he’s determined to keep pushing forward.

Spencer was diagnosed with T1D when he was two years old, so diabetes management has always been part of his daily routine. Over the years, his family has witnessed just how much T1D technology has evolved and how those advancements have changed people’s lives—including his own. They’ve always been there to support him, and as he’s grown, he’s found ways to give back to the T1D community. Whether it’s raising awareness, advocating for research, or sharing his own experiences, Spencer is committed to helping others who are navigating the same challenges.