CAPTURING ADDY: The Journey of Strength and Resilience

At 15 years old, Addy is already making waves at Southeast High School. But it’s not just her positive attitude, humor, or kindness that sets her apart—it's her strength, resilience, and heart. The Teen Team isn’t just about posing for photos—it's about building friendships, self-confidence, and celebrating individuality. Addy exemplifies all of this, and more. If there’s one thing you’ll learn from her story, it’s that strength comes in many forms. And Addy is proof of that.

A Journey of Strength: Battling Type 1 Diabetes

Addy’s life took a turn recently when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that attacks the pancreas, making it impossible for the body to produce insulin on its own. The diagnosis was not just a life-changing moment for Addy—it was also a family journey that her sister had already experienced.

Addy looks up to her sister as her greatest role model. “She’s the bravest person I know,” Addy says. “She battles a very scary autoimmune disease every day that she almost died from. And now that I’ve been diagnosed with the same disease, I want to be as brave as her through this journey.”

For Addy, her sister’s courage and strength in the face of adversity are a constant source of inspiration. Addy’s mom, too, plays a crucial role in shaping her sense of strength. “My mom never stops taking care of our family. She works hard, and she’s the best mom,” Addy shares. “Being a mother is one of my goals in life, and I hope I can be as great as a mom as she is.”

But what really sets Addy apart is her desire to use her experience to help others. "I want to be a good role model for little girls with diabetes, just like my sister is to me," she says. Her hope is to spread awareness about the autoimmune disease and show others that there is strength in vulnerability.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes

Managing Type 1 diabetes isn’t easy. For Addy, it’s a constant balancing act of blood sugars, insulin, and staying active. "My pancreas is still working, but it won’t be for long,” she explains. “We caught it early, which is great, but it’s still tough." High and low blood sugars are part of her daily life, and they can leave her feeling shaky, fatigued, dizzy, and sometimes confused.

"I’m constantly aware of what I’m eating, and I have to be cautious when I’m dancing or cheering because activity makes my blood sugar drop quickly," Addy says. "It’s really hard sitting out of things I love because of my blood sugar, but I don’t let it define me." Addy continues to balance her love of cheerleading and dance line with the realities of her condition. She’s been a cheerleader since kindergarten and just started dance line last year. “I’ve always loved the uniforms and thought it looked like a lot of fun,” Addy says. “My sister did both, so it was something I always wanted to try.”

Addy’s favorite memory from dance line was marching onto the field for the first time. “The Friday night lights and the crowd’s energy were amazing! It was such a cool moment,” she says. For cheerleading, her favorite memory was from middle school, during the playoffs. "The student section was so energetic, and the excitement was contagious. It was unforgettable!”

Despite the challenges of managing her diabetes, Addy continues to show up with a smile, a sense of humor, and a determination that makes her an inspiration to everyone around her.

A Voice for Others: Advocating for Diabetes Awareness

Addy’s openness about her condition isn’t just for her—it’s for others, too. By sharing her journey, she’s helping to raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes and how it affects everyday life.

She’s already making an impact on the Teen Team by inspiring others to open up about their own health struggles. When Addy shared her diagnosis with our group, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Her friends on the team praised her for being brave enough to open up, and many of the other girls shared their own stories of autoimmune diseases.

Passionate About Music and Building Others Up

When Addy isn’t dancing, cheering, or advocating for others, you’ll find her with her voice raised in song. “Music is who I am!” Addy exclaims. She’s passionate about singing and is part of her school’s choir. Music provides her with a creative outlet and a way to express herself. Whether it’s belting out a favorite song or learning new techniques, Addy’s heart is in every note.

"I believe in living every day like there’s no tomorrow," she says. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious, and she carries this energy into every aspect of her world. She’s a natural leader, always trying to build others up, whether through kind words, support, or simply being there when someone needs a friend. "I want to help people feel good about themselves," she says. “That’s what I’m most passionate about.”

The Future Is Bright for Addy

Looking ahead, Addy has big dreams. In 5 to 10 years, she hopes to be married, or at least have found the love of her life. “I also want to be getting ready to have kids and have a successful career,” she says. Although she’s not quite sure what she wants to do professionally just yet, one thing is clear—her love of music will be a part of her future.

Since joining the Teen Team, Addy’s confidence has skyrocketed. "The teen team has made me grow out of my shell," she says. "I’ve met amazing people, and Davinda and Lily have been such great mentors. The community is awesome, and it feels like a family."

Addy’s story is a reminder that strength isn’t just about physical abilities—it's about resilience, kindness, and a positive attitude that can light up the world. With her sense of humor, her unshakable optimism, and her deep love for others, Addy is truly a role model for everyone.

We’re excited to see where her journey takes her next and love that we have a front row seat!