Michael Hunter, from his earliest memories, knew what he wanted to do, fly fighter jets. No other option was ever entertained.

At the early age of 17, Michael had already committed to the Air Force and was taking flight instruction. His career was suddenly cut short when he was diagnosed with diabetes. Due to the worldwide ban on diabetic pilots at that time, Michael was told he would never fly again.

For years, he struggled to control his disease. If he accepted it, he would be different, limited. Over the years, Michael learned that striving to control the disease was the only way not to be controlled by it.

Today, with his diabetes under remarkable control, Michael's "Fighter Pilot" dreams have been realized. Despite being told for nearly 20 years that he would never fly, he has become the only insulin-dependent competition and air show pilot in the world. In fact, Michael won the first aerobatic contest he ever entered and flew in his first air show a remarkable 15 months after receiving his pilot's license.

In addition to his admirable work to help diabetic children, Michael has become a sought-after motivational speaker and an advocate for piloting safety.

Flight for Diabetes is a non-profit organization founded to provide motivation and inspirational programs for children with diabetes, Increase public awareness of diabetes & raise funds for diabetic youth education

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects nearly 20 million Americans. While the technology to treat the disease continues to improve, the diagnosis rate in children has increased 900% over the last decade. Once diagnosed, understanding and a positive attitude are key elements of their success in diabetes management. Flight for Diabetes was founded to help these children and reduce these unacceptable statistics.

Our unique program reaches diabetic children across the country. These children need to see that diabetes can be controlled and once it is it will not keep them from their dreams. Their future and their very lives depend on their motivation and education to control this disease.

Flight for Diabetes relies on private and corporate tax-deductible contributions to help these children.