How many times have you heard that children are the leaders of the future? And it’s true: One day, we’ll all be watching and admiring them as they pretty much run the world.

But let’s think about this for a second. Do we really need to wait years or even decades for this “one day” to come? Why not right now? What if a teenager with type 1 diabetes could pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a professional hockey player, or if a high school student could become a champion of healthy living and show friends how to live their healthiest lives?

What if a baby born with a congenital heart defect could have access to the world’s smallest mechanical heart valve, allowing her to be able to live the life of an 9-year-old — unicorns and all? Or if any child obsessed with soccer had the opportunity to learn more about health, strength and perseverance from their heroes?

Kids have important things to say right now. Why not listen to them? And so, in advance of World Children’s Day on Nov. 20, we’re amplifying their voices. After all, everyone can benefit from hearing from our World Children’s Day champions — young heroes who are taking charge of their health.

They’re not just the future. They’re the aspiring coders, scientists, leaders and change-makers of today. Their endless curiosity inspires us at Abbott and propels our mission. Our approach? It’s all about using groundbreaking products, technology and strategic partnerships to lead the way in pediatric healthcare — and make a real difference in the lives of children worldwide.

With that, let’s introduce our World Children’s Day champions:

• Meet Ryder, our diabetes champion, who’s been living with diabetes for 12 years. He’ll share his personal journey with the disease. “The thing that makes me unique is that I am a really high-level hockey player despite having diabetes. And I am following in the footsteps of some of my biggest role models, like Max Domi, who is currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL while having diabetes.”
• Sadie, our pediatric cardiovascular champion, made history as the first child in the United States to receive a revolutionary pediatric mechanical heart valve as part of a clinical trial. We’ll catch up with her to see how she’s doing since receiving this life-saving heart valve. “If I could change anything in the world, I would change my fear of elevators. I do not like elevators. But another thing I would change is, there would be no bullying and, most of all, no money. The only money that would be there is like saying thank you.”
• And meet Amber, who’s championing our Future Well Kids program in Ireland. She’ll tell us about acquiring healthier habits and getting on a path to a brighter future. “If I was in charge, I would make schools have no homework and I would end homelessness while making the world a healthier place.”
• Alberto serves as our Real Madrid Champion. His passion lies in physical education and language. Alberto’s true devotion is to football, or as it’s known in the United States, soccer — with a special affection for the iconic Real Madrid soccer club. “When I hear World Children’s Day, I think, ‘We can do whatever we want, because it’s our day!’ ”

Throughout the week leading up to World Children’s Day 2023, you’ll hear from our champions and learn more about what we’re doing in pediatric health and education to help kids reach their full potential.

There’s no “Someday …” about it. Kids can help change the world right now.