People are more than their disease. Every day, countless incredibly brave people walk among us. Thanks to the help of scientific innovation, people living with chronic diseases are persevering and unlocking their greatest potential. Today, living with a chronic disease doesn’t have to define who you are. These are The Greats: people living with and thriving with chronic disease. Join us as we meet with some of these great inspirations and hear their stories.

Constance Cooper was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 20 and has lived with this chronic disease for over 60 years. Yet, she has never let diabetes define her, and she has achieved great things in her lifetime, including earning a doctorate from Princeton University.

Thanks to progressive advancements in medical facilities and technology to treat type 1 diabetes, Constance believes her condition is easier to manage now than it was when she was younger. She used to wonder how diabetes would affect her success as a stage performer on a daily basis. Now, just as technology has progressed, so has her self-knowledge and management of the disease.

Constance describes how her previous role as a classical musician was always defined by rigid structure, but explains, “As soon as I became an improviser, I could not wait to get started.” Passion and versatility have guided Constance along every step of her journey. Her story provides hope and inspiration for others living with type 1 diabetes.