ASHTON PORTMANN CO-FOUNDER

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of five, and since then, my life has been fundamentally different. I must constantly monitor my diet to ensure my blood sugar remains within a healthy range, as failing to do so can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, infections, and vision loss. To mitigate these risks, I not only maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly but also rely on insulin therapy, as my pancreas does not produce insulin naturally. While there is currently no natural cure for diabetes, my goal for this project is to advocate for pharmaceutical companies to prioritize patient well-being over profit, ensuring that healthcare remains focused on improving lives rather than capitalizing on illness.