Lauren Stanford

Lauren Stanford was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1997 at the age of six. She became an advocate for diabetes research and awareness as a young child, testifying before Congress twice, serving as ChairKid of JDRF’s Children’s Congress and speaking as part of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She was awarded the Prudential Spirit of Community Award for being the top school aged volunteer in America. She was also a Clara Barton Camper for 11 years. But more importantly, she would say, she has and still does live her life well despite diabetes. “Sure, there are things I must do because of diabetes, but there is nothing I cannot do because of it.” A graduate of George Mason University, Lauren lives in Washington DC where she helps health advocacy groups build and maintain advocacy programs.