Hi, my name is Jaden Hillemann and I am 17 years old. I have been living with Type One Diabetes for about 13 years. Living with diabetes has it's challenges, especially as a teenager. It is a constant battle to balance activities, nutrition, glucose monitoring and insulin dosing but, it is a part of my daily life. Doing what I can to make sure my body remains healthy and strong is important to me. Competitive cheerleading keeps me active and regular exercise is a part of my lifestyle. Living with T1D means there are no days off and there is no cure. But there is hope.

My family and I connected with JDRF right after my diagnosis and have been participating in outreach and events ever since. I have learned a lot and grown so much through my JDRF experiences. Being involved with JDRF has enabled me to feel more informed, supported, confident and empowered. As a 2019 Children's Congress Advocate, I was able to share my story with Congress and I felt heard. I am hopeful more progress will be made as we continue to conduct research, fund new technologies, and advocate for change.

JDRF and the funding it provides for research projects is critical to the success of finding a Cure. The continual research for a Cure, and ultimately finding a Cure, means more to us than you will ever know. To live a life without diabetes would be freeing from the extra worries, sleepless nights, and burdens this disease brings along with it. We wish for a tomorrow where this struggle doesn't exist and we are hopeful we will have it. 

Please consider making a financial contribution to our Fund a Cure cause. Your generosity will help JDRF fund life-changing breakthroughs to remove the incredible daily burden of this disease—until it no longer exists.  Your donation directly influences diabetes research projects and will leave a lasting impact on many lives. I am forever grateful for what JDRF has done for me and many other families living with T1D. And I am eternally grateful for your thoughts, prayers and caring hearts. We know it is only through special people like you, your dedication and support, that make it possible to move forward with new possibilities, new treatments, and a Cure. Thanks for your help!

Love, JJ