My name is Miles Jackson. I am 25 years old and I have had type 1 diabetes for almost 20 years.  I am from DC and currently work for the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. I graduated from the University of Michigan and am applying for graduate school to pursue a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on diabetes research, advocacy, and public policy.

As a kid, diabetes was really difficult for me. I was blessed with a wonderful family, however, who did anything and everything they could to take care of me.  Being diagnosed at six years of age was tough.  Within a few years, however, I matured a lot and started to accept diabetes as part of who I am.

I played varsity soccer at the University of Michigan, I skateboard every day and, as a teen and in college, I was privileged to play soccer in Brazil, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and Austria. It was always challenging to be in different environments, have different eating schedules, and maintain my glucose levels before, during, and after games.  As an adult, I have also traveled abroad extensively. Even though my preparations have become second nature, it’s still difficult because it’s not like you can go to a CVS or a local health clinic and all your diabetes supplies will be readily available.

My JDRF fundraising activities slowed down a lot during my college years but now I am actively involved again. Diabetes is like some type of brotherhood or family.  Whenever I see people with insulin pumps or measuring their blood sugar, there’s this instant connection.  So being a part of JDRF is a no brainer, really.

My girlfriend, Lauren, and I volunteered earlier this year at the T1D Research Summit in Bethesda, Maryland.  I was touched by all those families with young children trying to get a grasp on dealing with diabetes. Meeting them was also extremely encouraging because those kids and their families have so much better technology available to them than when I was first diagnosed. I really encourage everybody to register for next year’s summit.

What’s next for me?  Since 2010, Lauren and I have been running a non-profit called Cuba Skate, and we will be working with pro skaters, their skate companies, and JDRF to host a memorial skate event to honor the late Lewis Marnell, a professional skateboarder and T1D from Australia who died in January from hypoglycemic complications.  Lewis’ life was a poignant reminder that despite diabetes, people in all walks of life can thrive and break barriers. Knowing that there are so many of us in the world is so motivating to me.  It reminds me that despite the challenges, diabetes shouldn’t get in the way of your life. Lewis was an extraordinary skater and a phenomenal, upbeat person, and we want to celebrate his life and encourage the community to donate to JDRF in honor of him.