Tell us about yourself:

I grew up in a Navy Family, and have lived all over the United States before settling in San Diego, California.   I spent the first two years of college at University of California, Davis, where I played Division 1 lacrosse.  In my junior year, I transferred across the country to Gettysburg College, where I graduated in  2015 with a degree in English.  At Gettysburg, I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark and served as Community Service chair for my sorority, Chi Omega.

In my free time, I love working out, doing yoga, hiking, and traveling.  Being from California, I love the beach! Also, I am a huge sports fan and love going to any type of sporting event.

Describe your history with type 1 diabetes & your relationship with JDRF:

About two months before entering my junior year at Gettysburg College, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 20.  Those first months were some of the hardest times that I have ever gone through.  In my last two years of college, I struggled with taking care of my T1D and became very sick.  That time was a wake-up call for me, and I have never looked back since.  T1D  has empowered me to focus more than ever on my health. I can’t change my Type 1 diabetes, so I embrace it.

My passion for spreading awareness and knowledge about T1D led me to dive headfirst into giving back to the diabetes community. I have always had a love for writing, which led me to create my own blog and Instagram called, Iced Coffee and Insulin.  This blog is my personal way of expressing my thoughts, opinions, and daily battles with T1D.

What would you say to someone who does not have a direct type-1 connection in order to encourage them to volunteer with the chapter? 

First, I would tell someone to educate themselves.  There are so many misconceptions and incorrect information out there about T1D that can be debunked through some research.  With this education, someone can have the power to share this information with others and continue to educate those who are not.  JDRF is making incredible strides in research, and we are at an exciting time where new technologies are being discovered every day to bring us closer to a cure! Volunteering is a way for someone to personally be touched by the strong and brave faces of those with Type 1 diabetes, as well as those who work tirelessly every day to find a cure.

What are you most excited about with the new job at JDRF?

I am most excited to be a part of an organization that is doing incredible things for those living with Type 1 Diabetes.  I am also so excited to become immersed in the supportive and influential community of JDRF supporters and staff!