My journey with Children’s National Medical Center began in 2008, when a misdiagnosis of the flu resulted in me being airlifted to Children’s in a near-comatose state. I was in the severe stages of diabetic ketoacidosis, and would not have made it to the next hour without the quick response of the Children’s National team. It has been 10 years since I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and in that time, Children’s has been with me every step of the way. Because of Children’s I have learned how to live with a chronic illness. Because of Children’s summer program, Brainy Camps, I get to volunteer with kids with chronic illnesses and show them that their condition doesn’t define who they are. Because of what Children’s has done for me all of these years, now I can give back to help other kids like me with Terp Thon. Because of Children’s I am ready for the journey ahead. And right now, the future is looking pretty bright!