Advocacy Spotlight: James Tuck
James Tuck Q&A: a life of advocacy for T1D
How long have you been an advocate for JDRF?
I became an advocate for JDRF shortly after being diagnosed with T1D in 2004 at 11 years old. I was inspired to become an advocate to ensure that as many people as possible learn about T1D: what it means to live with the condition, the impacts to an individual’s life and the life-threatening risks associated with day-to-day management.
In your time as an advocate what has been your greatest accomplishment advocating with key decision makers?
In 2021/22 I was fortunate to be part of JDRF’s ‘Access for All’ campaign. The Access for All campaign united over 100 advocates nationwide to push for subsided CGM and insulin pump access for young adults. After more than twelve months of advocacy, we achieved the bipartisan commitment in April 2022, for CGM subsidisation for all Australians with T1D. The Access for All campaign changed tens of thousands lives, and it remains one of my proudest achievements.
How did it feel to be part of Kids in the House last November?
I first attended KITH as a 14 year old in 2006! Returning to KITH in 2024 was grounding for me. We have achieved so much with T1D in the 18 years since my last appearance at KITH, but there is still much to do and my passion for better treatment and technology and the discovery of a vaccine prevention and cure, remains unchanged. Onward!
“Being a part of JDRF’s Kids in the House in 2006 and again in 2024 was bigger than myself, my family or my school. I felt that I was part of a community.”
What are your hope and dreams for a brighter future living with T1D?
My hopes and dreams for a brighter future living with T1D remain almost unchanged since I was diagnosed at age eleven. We must find a cure! Failing that, better treatment through advancing technology, a viable vaccine to prevent anyone else from ever having to live with the condition and continued support from JDRF, all give me cause for hope and happiness as I live my life.
Surviving Type 1 Diabetes – James Tuck
– A compelling and thoughtful memoir of 20 years of James’ life living with T1D.
James’ recently launched book is a raw and vulnerable look at life with T1D – a journey of grit, compassion, and finding hope in the everyday battles. It’s not just a story about T1D; it’s about resilience and rediscovering yourself beyond the diagnosis.
Don’t miss James’ powerful story and his dedication to advocating for all people living with Type One Diabetes.
