With the help of the American Diabetes Association, three girls are getting a chance to meet one of their biggest idols.
Ashleigh LaMountain, 12, of Surprise and Heather Turner, 13, of Peoria will see and meet the Jonas Brothers tonight when the popular band performs at Cricket Wireless Pavilion.
But the girls are not just fans of the band. They share a unique trait with one of the band
Nick Jonas, 15, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2005. For this year's tour, he is giving away four free tickets and a chance to meet the band to the ADA branch in every city where they will perform.
"It's just really exciting to meet someone that's famous but they also have diabetes," Turner said. "He is really a positive role model to every person, not just people who have diabetes."
Turner was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes seven years ago, and LaMountain was diagnosed eight years ago.
"Diabetes doesn't hold you back from anything," LaMountain said. "He speaks to me because he gets to travel all around the U.S. doing what he does, so it's kind of like you can do whatever you want."
Anne Dennis, associate manager of the Phoenix ADA, said three of the tickets were given out randomly. The last was given to a chaperone.
Pinetop resident Leah Sempert, 13, is the third girl chosen to go to the concert. Brooke LeMaster, 22, is the chaperone.
LeMaster was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 7 1/2 years ago and said even though she isn't a big fan, she is excited for the opportunity to meet someone famous who has diabetes as well.
All four are involved with the ADA. The three girls are on the ADA Youth Leadership Council and LeMaster is a camp counselor with Camp AZDA,an ADA-sponsored camp for children and teens with diabetes.
LaMountain will start seventh grade at North Pointe Preparatorythis fall, and Turner is an eighth-grader at Coyote Hills Elementary School. LeMaster is studying nursing at Paradise Valley Community College.
LaMountain's mother, Katheryn, said the concert is a great opportunity for the girls to meet a role model.
"He is really a good role model for the kids to look up to," Katheryn LaMountain said. "He is somebody they can meet to make a connection, so they can see that anything is possible."
Though there is much excitement about meeting the band, seeing them perform is another highlight.
"I was really excited because the Jonas Brothers are awesome," LaMountain said. "This is my first time seeing them, and I've never gone backstage before."
It is Turner's first concert.
"I was really surprised when I found out," Turner said.
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