Kayln was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 10 years old. With a younger brother who also lived with T1D, finger pokes, glucose tablets, and insulin shots quickly became part of everyday life for her family.

One of Kayln’s most vivid memories from that time was worrying that her new diagnosis would keep her from attending her 5th grade field trip to Springfield, Illinois. That fear of missing out—and of life never feeling “normal” again—is something many children with diabetes can relate to. Thankfully, she was able to go on the trip and had a wonderful time.

Although growing up with T1D came with challenges, Kayln believes it also helped shape her into the person she is today. Throughout her teenage years, she excelled in both volleyball and academics, never allowing her diagnosis to define or limit her. She later attended the University of Iowa, where she delivered the 2018 commencement speech and went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

In 2024, Kayln was inspired to write a children’s book to help educate kids with Type 1 diabetes, along with their friends and families. Through the writing process, she rediscovered her creative side and eventually signed a publishing deal with Harbor and Stone Press in January 2025.

Today, Kayln lives in Chicago, where she enjoys staying active through group fitness classes and sports, trying new restaurants, traveling to new places, going to concerts, and exploring her interest in wine—perhaps someday adding “sommelier” to her résumé.

Above all, Kayln hopes Tommy Tackles Type 1 helps young children feel more confident, understood, and empowered while living with diabetes.