Christina Martin will be presenting the keynote address at the JDRF Greater New England Chapter’s TypeOneNation Summit Boston on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. 

After Christina was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 13, she started a club at her high school that today, is a non-profit organization providing every-day support to Central Florida families impacted by diabetes. Two years ago, she became the first female with T1D to compete on NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior.” Christina now stands on stages around the country (virtually during the pandemic) where she helps to empower both children and adults to create their own paths to success and help others to do the same. 

Keynote Address: “The Happiness Minority” 

The biggest minority group isn’t actually what we think. The biggest minority group we have is people who are actually, whole heartedly, happy with what they do every day and inspire others to do the same. In this talk, Christina creates a deeper understanding of the human experience, with or without diabetes, dissects how to develop more effective strategies as a leader, and helps audiences understand their own “whys” so that they can take the necessary risks to accomplish things they never thought they could, and be happier with their daily lives. The ultimate goal of this talk is to help each person become the “frequent-flyer” for their success so that as a community, we can begin turning the happiness minority into the happiness majority. 

In Christina’s words: 

Information About My Experience with Diabetes: 

“When I was diagnosed with T1D, it was scary, overwhelming, and my family and I did not know anyone else who had this disease. When I decided to take that step towards creating an organization for every-day support, it came from deeply wanting no one else to go through what I went through. There’s too many people in our world living with T1D every day, and not enough of our world supporting one another in that fight. I’ve learned since my diagnosis that the difficult moments I have can help others who are going through the same thing I am. The more that we can do this as individual humans, the more we will positively affect the rest of the world around us.” 

My Thoughts on TypeOneNation Summit: 

“JDRF is at the forefront of creating hope around T1D and I am honored to be a voice for that dream during the TypeOneNation Summit. This will actually be my first time in Boston and I am looking forward to being a part of the New England diabetes community!” 

My Advice to Families Impacted by Diabetes: 

“There are days for all of us when this disease feels like too much for those of us who have T1D and those who love us. I think it’s especially true right now during the pandemic. But that’s when it’s most important to keep going. It does get better, not because it gets easier, but because you get stronger. So, take a deep breath, put another foot forward, and walk your way (or dance) into the room for the conversation with me on April 9! I’d love to meet you and support you on your journey.” 

–Christina Martin, Professional Dancer, Motivational Speaker, American Ninja Warrior, Executive Director of the Type Zero Foundation, and Fitness Trainer, Living with T1D since age 13 

Pre-registration is required for the JDRF TypeOneNation Summit Boston by Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at noon EDT. We cannot accept walk-in registrations the day of the event. To register, please visit https://jdrftonsummitboston.rsvpify.com.