An unexpected diagnosis that changed everything
Just one week before her 12th birthday, Hayley’s world shifted dramatically. In November, after weeks of declining health and performance in the pool, Hayley was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Hayley's mum, Emily, recounts the moment.
"She looked at us after one race and said, 'What is wrong with me? My body isn’t doing what my brain is telling it to!'" she recalled.
Hayley’s family knew something wasn’t right. She was thin, exhausted, and constantly thirsty. What began as a suspicion led to urgent blood tests, and within hours, they were on their way to the hospital. Her blood glucose level was 51.5. Her organs were severely dehydrated and starting to shut down.
"It felt like we’d been hit by a truck," Emily said.
"We weren’t prepared for what came next."
They spent a week in hospital, trying to absorb everything: insulin injections, carb counting, blood glucose monitoring. It was overwhelming. But Hayley, even in the face of fear, stayed determined.
Turning challenges into strength
Swimming had always been a huge part of Hayley’s life. The water was where she felt most free. But after her diagnosis, that freedom disappeared.
"When she first got back into the pool, she could only last 20 or 30 minutes," Emily says.
"She would come out in tears, feeling like her body had let her down."
But Hayley didn’t give up. With support from her coach, who adjusted her training and helped set small goals, she slowly rebuilt her strength and confidence.
"It was heartbreaking to watch at times," Emily admits. "But she kept showing up. Even when it was hard, she just kept going."
Now, Hayley is training six days a week. She’s added water polo and soccer into her routine. Her sights are firmly set on qualifying for the Queensland State Swimming Championships again.
"She’s determined to prove to herself and others that diabetes won’t stop her."
A day in the life: managing the highs and lows
Life with Type 1 diabetes is a constant balancing act.
"Every decision revolves around blood sugar," Emily explains. "It affects everything: sport, school, stress levels."
Hayley’s mornings start with a finger prick, insulin, a snack, and then she’s off to 6 AM swim training. Her lunchbox is carefully packed and labelled, every item matched to its carbohydrate value for accurate insulin dosing.
"Starting high school this year added a whole new layer of challenge. She’s juggling changing classes, beeping CGMs, and trying to keep up with everything—academically and socially."
Emily says her daughter has been fortunate to have supportive friends who have taken an interest in understanding diabetes.
"Her friends have been incredible. They help her calculate insulin doses and check her sugars. It’s made a huge difference."
Hayley has also embraced awareness and education, never shying away from answering questions.
"She’s always happy to explain what her CGM is, or what insulin does. She believes the more people understand, the less alone people like her will feel."
Finding strength in community
In the beginning, Hayley’s family felt alone.
"It was really isolating at first. People try to understand, but unless you’re living it, it’s hard to truly get it," Emily says.
Social media and the Type Strong community became powerful sources of connection and inspiration.
"Seeing athletes with Type 1 from all over the world doing amazing things gave Hayley so much hope. It reminded her she could still chase her dreams."
Now, Hayley proudly wears her Type Strong patches: bright pink or purple, without hesitation.
"She doesn’t hide her diabetes. She’ll inject insulin in public, wear her CGM visibly. It makes her feel empowered, not embarrassed."
And Hayley’s goal? To be a role model herself.
"She wants to help other kids feel confident and capable. She wants them to know they’re not alone."
Words for the newly diagnosed
Emily’s message to other families just starting this journey is simple:
"You are stronger than you think."
"At first, it’s overwhelming. You grieve the life you thought you had. But you learn. You adapt. You get stronger."
She encourages families to lean on their communities, ask for help, and remember that tough days are part of the process, but they don’t last forever.
"Most importantly, never let diabetes stop you from chasing your dreams."
Dreaming big
Hayley’s biggest goal right now is to qualify again for the Queensland State Swimming Championships.
"It’s something that once felt impossible after her diagnosis, but now it’s the fire that keeps her going," Emily says.
She’s also working towards a five-day ski trip with her school; an experience that will require even greater independence and self-management.
Beyond sport and adventure, Emily says Hayley’s passion lies in making a difference.
"She wants kids with diabetes to know they’re still capable of greatness. Her motto says it all."
One Word That Defines Her Journey? Unstoppable.
"Diabetes is tough, but it doesn’t control her," Emily says. "She’s unstoppable."
To connect our audience diagnosed with diabetes, we've developed Facebook Community Groups for Australia, the UK and USA.
You can shop Type Strong adhesive patches here.