Kate's Story

At the age of ten years old I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. I knew I was really sick when I was first diagnosed, but there was a peace inside of me in regards to the situation. The doctors pulled out a long needle and asked if I was okay with them giving me my first shot of insulin to lower my extremely high blood sugars. I told them I wanted to give myself my first shot and from that moment on I knew I could do this.

My mom stood by my side every minute and slept beside me in my tiny hospital bed. Out of everyone in my family, she was worried the most and couldn’t help but cry because she wanted me to be okay. I looked at her and told her to stop crying because I knew everything was going to be fine. I was pushed into a sense of independence over my body. I could receive help from others, but ultimately it was up to me to do what I needed to do to remain healthy. I grew up early, but purely in a mental sense.

My biggest fear after my diagnosis was not being able to do the things that I loved the most. After having to sit out from sports for a while, I was motivated more than ever to not let this disease stop me from doing anything ever again. Since then I have accomplished some of my biggest goals by making the Olympic Trials final in the long jump, breaking the national high school record, becoming a two time high school national champion, and a two time NCAA champion. I am currently running and jumping professionally, with my hopes of qualifying for the Olympics and World Championships. Aside from my athletic dreams, my biggest goal is to inspire other children who have T1D by showing them that this disease doesn’t have to stop them from doing anything they love.

Kate Hall