Marlee's Story

I’m currently a student-athlete that plays soccer at the University of Texas-San Antonio. My story started when I was 2 ½ years old, I was rushed to the hospital where I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, at such a young age I didn't remember anything about that day or how much my parents had to learn, and then eventually teach me. I have had T1D for about 20 years. Sports have always been an important part of my family. In college, both of my parents played soccer, and my two brothers also played, so I knew from an early age that I wanted to play in college and play professionally one day. Being T1D was the biggest obstacle I had to overcome. I was so good at hiding my diabetes from everyone, and that reflected in the way I was taking care of myself as well. Being different was not something I wanted, and I was afraid to tell others about it because of how they would react. Growing up, my coaches didn't understand why I wasn't performing well and why I needed to step out of games or practice. Since it's hard to explain, I didn't. For a long time, I let diabetes affect how I lived my life, resulting in poor health and difficulty playing the sport I love. During a doctor's visit she told me that if I didn't make a change, I was headed down a bad road. Looking at my dreams and what I wanted to achieve I learned to accept being diabetic and be proud of who I am. This happened with a huge support system I had finishing high school and now going through my last year of college from my family, close friends, teammates, coaches, and athletic trainers I couldn't thank them enough. Having diabetes has helped me learn to be resilient, strong-willed, and confident and embrace the life I have. I made it through all the battles fighting myself and blaming the world. I become a division 1 soccer player with goals to achieve after college. Become part of a T1D community and I love who I am. To everyone who has T1D, you will have those bad days but you will also have so many more great days to look forward to so keep chasing those dreams.

Marlee Fray