Advocacy

Annually Emmabella Rudd meets with legislators in Washington D.C. and encourages them to support policies for scientific research approvals for T1D and advocate for transparency within the healthcare system. Each year, Emmabella has ensured the passing of $150 million annually to diabetes research through the Special Diabetes Program.

Through her advocacy, Emmabella has participated in notable events, such as speaking at press conferences with U.S. Senators. Emmabella has also met with President Biden and other prominent politicians to advocate on behalf of diabetes.

Fundraising for a cure

Since Emmabella’s diagnosis, she has raised over $350,000 for a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Public Speaking

Emmabella gave a TED Talk in April 2022, “Diabetes Isn’t a Death Sentence, If You Can Afford It.”

Recognizing the need for greater education surrounding type 1 diabetes, Emmabella began organizing educational presentations encompassing diabetes and advocacy at schools while in middle school. In this effort, she has presented to over 5,000 students.

The American Insulin Crisis

 Currently, 1 in 4 Americans are forced to jeopardize their lives by rationing insulin they cannot afford. Insulin in the United States costs over $300 per vial but costs about $6 to manufacture. For people who live with diabetes like Emmabella, there is no choice. You either pay or die.

Emmabella is unapologetically insulin powered, and as an activist and advocate, she dares to push for policy change to make insulin affordable for all. As an advocate with T1International #insulin4all, Emmabella spearheads and supports policy that will make insulin more affordable and accessible to all. 

At the age of 16, Emmabella wrote her first piece of legislation that was introduced to the state legislature. The “Emmabella’s Believers Act” was aimed to prevent complications and misdiagnosis of type 1 diabetes.