Laken's Story
Updated October 15, 2017
Laken is 10 years old and was diagnosed at the age of seven with Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes has not stopped her from what she loves to do most which is gymnastics. At her very first competition ever she placed first in vault, floor, beam, and overall along with third place in bars. With her high scores she is now eligible to compete at States in April 2017.
Her dad would do anything to help where he can to find a cure for diabetes and is also Laken's support system through it and has helped her to start following her dream by enrolling and being the sole support for her gymnastics. Sacrificing his sleepless hours after long hours of work to get her there so that she will always feel even through diabetes you can accomplish anything.
He's her #1 fan!
When Laken was diagnosed it kind of made everyone put their feelings aside and work through getting her better and understanding and making the changes she would need to do for her diabetes. Laken never cried about it or has ever asked why me? She shed a tear or two only when she saw everyone upset about her having to be taken to Children's Hospital after finding out. Because of that, seems like all the adults were learning how to be stronger just like her.
Laken is a 4th grade elementary student. She has a dog named Maggie; her favorite color is blue. Enjoys preparing meals for her dad when she is with him. In her spare time you can find her practicing gymnastics every chance she gets and watching her favorite gymnast Simone Biles or youTube videos on techniques to improve her form and style. She also enjoys going to Penn State games with her dad and sister.
Nothing including diabetes will slow her down or stand in her way to accomplish her number one goal of making the olympics someday.
Laken competed in her very first gymnastic state competition on April 22-23, 2017.