My name is Nicholas, and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was two years old. I just turned 13. I don’t let T1D slow me down or define me, and I play football, basketball, baseball and soccer. I also play the trumpet in my school band and do some acting with a local theatre. I enjoy working animals in need and being a Junior Wildlife Warrior for the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. I love Virginia Tech football and baseball. I met Bret Michaels a couple of times when he came to Virginia several years ago. Bret also sent me to diabetes camp, Camp Too Sweet, in 2017. Just like him, I don’t let type 1 diabetes slow me down.

We are continuing to share stories of people living with diabetes as part of our #KnowSurviveThrive campaign. Diabetes awareness is more than just one month, it’s every day. To submit your #KnowSurviveThrive story, visit our Submit Your Story page.