Diabetes knows no boundaries. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances—including the youngest among us. Imagine the resilience of a child facing the daily challenge of managing blood sugar levels. A life far from ordinary.

In the summer of ninth grade, I traveled with my school’s tennis team to Anguilla, a breathtaking island in the Caribbean. While tourists see only the pristine beaches and luxury resorts, I saw the other side—communities still scarred by Hurricane Irma’s devastation, families struggling to rebuild, and an economy deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our mission was to run tennis workshops for local youth, but what I gained from the experience was far greater. During our stay, our villa host, Josie, introduced me to Sadiki—a young boy living with Type 1 Diabetes. Raised by a devoted single mother who worked long hours at the local Four Seasons, Sadiki faced an impossible reality. Despite her sacrifices, affording both his medication and basic necessities remained a constant struggle.

Meeting Sadiki changed me. It was the first time I truly understood the weight of chronic illness on a child’s life. It made me realize the privilege of good health, but awareness alone wasn’t enough—I needed to act.

The Children’s Diabetes Fund is my way of giving back. This nonprofit is committed to providing financial assistance to diabetic children worldwide and raising awareness about the challenges they face. By supporting the Children’s Diabetes Fund, you’re not just donating—you’re giving children like Sadiki hope, relief, and the chance for a healthier future.

Steven Li
Founder.