Roe’s Story

Living with Type 1 diabetes has taught me resilience. Monitoring blood sugar, adjusting insulin, and planning meals, while trying to live a “normal” lifestyle was often overwhelming, but it has shaped my mindset today. As I approach my 10 year “diaversary” I begin to reflect on my experience living with this invisible disease. Volleyball has been a place where my determination has paid off. Each success soon became a confirmation that, despite the struggle, everyday was worth it. One of my proudest accomplishments was when I earned the title of D1 New Hampshire Volleyball Player of the Year. There were many challenges people could not see behind the scenes. Knowing this, I refused to let my illness be a determining factor. Through literal blood, sweat, tears, and many pump changes, I had 1 goal in mind and nothing was going to get in my way. This accomplishment was not just a reflection on my athletic ability. Type 1 diabetes has shaped who I am, but will never limit who I can become.

Roe Beland