Kendall’s Story

My name is Kendall Higgs and I play on the women’s soccer team at Kennesaw State University. My journey with T1D began at age 10. My biggest fear was not being able to play soccer anymore so I refused to let this disease stop me. Once I started to be recruited by schools I quickly found out the discrimination someone with this disease could face. Schools would change offers once they found out I was a Type 1 Diabetic. Unfortunately, it made me want to hide my disease and that lead to me not taking care of it. I struggled with a lot of body image issues, as well as depression and anxiety. It wasn’t until I got some help and got involved in the diabetic community where I truly embraced it and became proud of my disease. Becoming an advocate and helping others navigate the challenge that is being a diabetic athlete gives me so much joy. Type 1 diabetes has taught me discipline, perseverance, and most importantly that it is okay to be different. Stop trying to blend in when you were born to stand out

Kendall Higgs