Will Cross

The first person with diabetes to reach the South Pole, Will Cross is a world class athlete whose achievements have been covered by CNN, BBC, The Today Show, Discovery Channel, Voice of America, KDKA News and Talk Radio, and ABC, CBS, and NBC national affiliate stations. He has also appeared in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times, Explorers Journal, and GQ. Cross’ 2004 Mt. Everest expedition had a reach of over 37 million people. In 2005, he won the Media Spokesperson of the Year Award.

Cross has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 30 years. He effectively manages his diabetes in the most extreme conditions, while facing many challenges such as irregular meals, extreme temperatures, unusual sleeping patterns, physical exertion, high risks of frostbite and dehydration, and less than ideal conditions in which to monitor glucose levels and administer insulin. Cross seeks to get the message out that if he can control his diabetes in the most unlikely conditions, no one should feel hindered by diabetes.

Cross is a member of the American Alpine Club, Royal Geographical Society, Explorers Club, and the American Mountain Guides Association. He received a Gold Congressional Award for exemplary service to the United States, granted for his initiative, achievement and service. Cross is a professional member of the National Speakers Association.

Cross holds a Bachelor of Arts from Allegheny College, a Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University, and Secondary Principal’s Certification from the University of Pittsburgh, where he specialized in educational programs for troubled teens.