Haley Meece is a junior at Ripon High.  Some people may know that she is an AP student, band member, and drum major, and she plays golf.

She also has Type One Diabetes.

Type One Diabetes, as defined by American Diabetes Association, is where the body can’t produce insulin on its own, and it is usually diagnosed in younger children.

Since the age of 3, Haley has lived with diabetes.

“We were planning to go on a trip to Disneyland and I was taking those Costco water bottles and I was drinking the whole thing,” Haley said,  “like one per minute.”

Her mom knew that something wasn’t right, so she went to the doctor to find out.

“They pretty much said that yeah, I had Type One Diabetes, and they did tests and everything.”

It is not unusual for Type One Diabetes to be hereditary.

“It can be hereditary, but in my case, I’m the only one person in my family who has it.”

Although diabetes can be a struggle, Haley can still do things that any other person can do.  She has also spoken to recently diagnosed diabetics to encourage them.

“At my hospital, I’ve spoken with people who have just been diagnosed, and it’s scary to see because they have blood sugars that are astronomically high.  I met one girl with blood sugar in the thousands one time, and you want it to be around 120.”

Haley also has some words for anyone who has been diagnosed.

“It does get better because you do get used to it.”

Haley and her family also participate in a charity called “JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes.”  

Whether you ride 25 or 100 miles, you can support the cause alongside with friends, family, and coaches.

(Visit https://www2.jdrf.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=ride_homepage to learn more about how you can help find a cure by donating.)