Imagine Spotlights


 2021-06-23

This content was created as part of a partnership between Beyond Type 1 and the American Diabetes Association, an active partner of Beyond Type 1 at the time of publication.


The American Diabetes Association serves youth across the United States and around the world every year through its summer camps. To continue safe practices, Imagine Camp is going virtual this year and offers kids and families a chance to connect in the comfort of your home.

Imagine Camp includes a weekly speaker series that takes place all throughout Imagine Camp as a part of the ADA x BT1 Collab, hosted by Rob Howe. The series—”Imagine Spotlights”—features conversations with inspirational individuals affected by diabetes and offers a fun learning experience for campers and their families. New interviews launch weekly on Thursdays at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET on Beyond Type 1’s Facebook. This awesome series has already featured interviews with the likes of

Tiana Cooks, Beyond Type 1’s Community Manager and First Runner-Up in Miss Colorado 2019, shared about the power of community and why she will be making sure her insulin pump is visible as she competes for Miss Colorado 2021.

Ava August, singer/songwriter and American Idol contestant, talked about her Idol experience advancing to the show’s Top Ten, how she manages her type 1 diabetes (T1D) while performing, and what she’s got planned next.

Sam Stocking and Korey, the Diabetic Alert Dog, shared about training Korey to recognize Sam’s lows, her memories of diabetes camps and more.


Austin James, a musician whose work blends folk, soul and rock, talked about his diagnosis, his music and his advice to young musicians with Type 1 diabetes.

Pietro Marsala, the first certified commercial airline pilot living with Type 1 diabetes, chatted about what it took to achieve this milestone and his hopes for the future.

Jamie Ferrer, a Division I baseball recruit attending Florida State University, and his mom, Mila, who has been a strong advocate through a popular blog and as a program manager at Beyond Type 1, talked about Jaime’s diagnosis, the world of competitive baseball and what it takes to balance Type 1 as a dedicated athlete.

Kendall Simmons, a former NFL player and Super Bowl winner, chatted about his diagnosis, his NFL journey and his tips for maintaining a positive mindset.

WRITTEN BY Beyond Type 1 Editorial Team, POSTED 06/23/21, UPDATED 01/06/23

This piece was authored collaboratively by the Beyond Type 1 Editorial Team.