When Daniella Orpi was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 13, she didn’t know that moment would become the driving force behind her life’s mission. What began as a personal health battle transformed into a passion-fueled career—one that’s empowered her to guide, educate, and inspire young patients facing the same challenges she once did.
Today, Daniella is a nurse practitioner in pediatric endocrinology at AdventHealth and a vital team member of the Translational Research Institute (TRI). But what sets her apart isn't just her medical expertise—it’s her lived experience. Diagnosed as a teen, she knows exactly what it feels like to be overwhelmed, misunderstood, and determined to live fully despite the diagnosis.
“Back then, no one really knew what Type 1 diabetes was,” she recalls. “My friends thought it was something only grandparents got. I was constantly explaining it—and I haven’t stopped educating since.”
That drive to inform others became her calling. Daniella earned her nursing degrees from Florida International University and the University of Miami, launching a career that seamlessly blends clinical skill with personal insight. She became a certified diabetes educator in 2009 and joined AdventHealth in 2016, where she’s been making a difference ever since.
But beyond her impressive credentials, Daniella is a powerful example of what thriving with diabetes looks like. She’s a mother to two active boys—Ryan, 11, and Adrian, 9—who keep her on her toes with soccer and baseball. A former dancer and softball player herself, Daniella is living proof that diabetes doesn’t mean putting dreams on hold.
“I tell my patients, you can do anything,” she says. “I went to college, became a nurse practitioner, and I have a beautiful family. This diagnosis doesn’t define you—and it definitely doesn’t limit you.”
Whether she’s mentoring teens, cheering on her boys from the sidelines, or educating families at TRI, Daniella brings more than knowledge—she brings heart. Her story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a reminder that purpose can grow from even the most unexpected challenges.
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