15 Nov 22 Public Figures with T1D
22 Public Figures with T1D
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), in 2018, approximately 1.6 million Americans were living with type one diabetes (T1D). It touches the lives of so many families that–of course–athletes, artists, and public figures are impacted, too. Kudos to people with T1D who use their celebrity or public position to increase awareness of diabetes and to inspire others living with the condition.
As part of our “22 in ‘22” series, we’ve compiled a list of 22 famous people with T1D. They have achieved greatness not only in spite of diabetes but, in some cases, because of it. In interviews, many of the luminaries credit the effort and discipline that it takes to manage diabetes with helping them hone their resiliency—a key to success.
Diabetes is part of Ellie’s life, but it doesn’t completely, overwhelmingly define it. All the energy, time, and effort that it takes to manage diabetes is starting to be channeled into things of Ellie’s choosing like sewing, starting a small business (Season’s Sleepings specialty pillowcases), and writing.
We hope you draw inspiration from these 22 accomplished individuals who did not let T1D deprive or deter them.
Leaders
1
Sonia Sotomayor (U.S. Supreme Court Justice)
2
Theresa May (former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom)
Athletes
3
Jay Cutler (former Chicago Bears quarterback)
4
Jordan Hicks (St. Louis Cardinals pitcher)
5
Adam Duvall (Atlanta Braves left fielder)
6
Gary Hall, Jr. (10x Olympic medalist in swimming)
7
Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens tight end)
8
Will Cross (mountain climber known for scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents, trekking to both the North and South Poles, and being the first person with T1D to summit Mount Everest)
9
Ryan Reed (NASCAR driver)
10
Kendall Simmons (former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman)
11
Roddy Riddle (ultra-marathon runner competing in events that span 350 miles over eight days)
Artists (Actors, Singers, Dancers)
12
Nick Jonas (lead singer and guitarist for the Jonas Brothers)
13
Bret Michaels (lead singer of Poison)
14
Mary Tyler Moore (beloved TV actress and icon)
15
Jean Smart (Emmy award winning actress best known for her roles in Hacks and Designing Women)
16
Este Haim (member of the sister pop trio Haim and actress known for her breakout role in Licorice Pizza)
17
Anne Rice (novelist famous for her Vampire Chronicles series)
18
Eric Paslay (Grammy nominated country singer and songwriter)
19
Vanessa Williams (actress and trail blazer as the first African American named Miss America)
20
Victor Garber (prolific actor appearing on Broadway and in television series as well as film—including two of our family’s favorites—Titanic and Legally Blonde)
21
Elizabeth Perkins (veteran actress appearing opposite Tom Hanks in Big)
22
Katelyn Prominski Baud (professional ballet dancer)
What will you do? Scale mountains? Pitch game seven of the World Series? Shape the laws of the land? These 22 individuals—and countless others living with T1D—prove that you can pursue your dreams, find your purpose, and achieve excellence. Diabetes can’t stop you.