31st Annual Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village 2025

Meet Elf Srinika with Arcadis

Age: 13 years old

Diagnosis Age: 5

Hobbies: Taekwondo, sketching, reading, writing, track, sports

What makes you excited for being a Gingerbread Village Elf?

“I attended the Gingerbread Village in 2024 and was so impressed with all the different exhibits. I believe that it is a fun and creative way to raise awareness about T1D. I eagerly look forward to making connections with the Architects who make such wonderful pieces of art and help the T1D community.”

Behind the Scenes

Coming soon!

Meet Elf Lucy with Milbrandt Architects

Age: 17 years old

Diagnosis Age: 6

Hobbies: Studying, reading, weightlifting, playing soccer, learning guitar, and clubs such as Match Club, Women in STEM Club, and the National Honor Society

What would a cure for T1D mean for you?

“A cure for type 1 diabetes would mean that people could go about their days without having to worry about T1D and all of the curveballs it throws at them on a daily basis. It would take away the constant stress and risk that comes with the disease and just let people and their families live their lives. Personally, I would be overjoyed that people would not have to struggle to keep their blood sugar in range and poke their fingers multiple times every day!”

Behind the Scenes

Coming soon!

Meet Elf Fisher with MG2

Age: 14 years old

Diagnosis Age: 12

Hobbies: Baseball, soccer, piano, drums, jazz band, Star Wars, reading (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales and Harry Potter)

What was it like when you were diagnosed with T1D?

“I was in Disneyland on a family vacation my family had been saving for and planning for a few years. I felt really sick the whole time. I was very very thirsty and never felt like I had enough water. I was sad because I didn’t have a good time at Disneyland and I had been looking forward to the trip for a long time, especially going to Star Wars land. I went home with a lot to learn and a long road ahead. Since then, I have grown a lot. I now use an Omnipod pump with my Dexcom and am doing a lot better. I still hate shots and finger pricks, but I can do them. Having T1D kind of sucks. I miss a lot of classes because I go low or have to go to a lot of doctor appointments. I sometimes have to come out of games or stop during sports, and I never get to have a day off from thinking about it. I am glad I get to be alive and that there is technology that is making it better.”

Behind the Scenes

Coming soon!

Meet Elf Emery with 4D

Age: 11 years old

Diagnosis Age: 10

Hobbies: Acting, volleyball

Why do you want to be a Gingerbread Village Elf?

“Last year I came, and I saw all the stuff [T1D supplies], and I was really scared, and then one week later I found out that I had T1D, and now some of that stuff is part of my everyday life. So, I want to be there for people who are scared by the stuff. My aunt and 2 of my cousins have had T1D for a long time, and I think they would be proud if I was an elf. I would really like to get into more T1D activities, as well as meet other people with T1D.”

Behind the Scenes

Coming soon!