“I will WIN!”
CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: KATY COX
The CHEERFIT ambassador community is filled with leaders and motivators who all share a passion for fitness, love for cheering and drive to help inspire others.
Our ambassadors share with us their personal stories and obstacles they overcome along the way. We have an amazing community of athletes who fuel their passion and determination with the CHEERFIT lifestyle.
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AND HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
At the end of last season, I was losing weight rapidly, and getting weak. I lost most of my level 2 skills, and we didn’t understand why. I decided not to try out for my Allstar team, because I was always so tired, and I didn’t have the energy to practice or compete.
In June, my parents took me to the doctor to figure out what was wrong with me. After an exam and blood tests I was rushed to Children’s Hospital in Dallas where I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Upon arrival, my blood sugar was over 800 (normal is 100). I spent a week in the hospital cleaning the sugar out of my blood and learning how to live with Type 1 Diabetes. There is no cure. I have to give myself a shot of insulin every time I eat during the day, and before I go to bed at night.
But, soon after diagnosis, I felt so much better. I wasn’t weak and tired. I had energy, and I really missed my Allstar team. My coach let me have a private tryout because he knew how bad I wanted back on the team. Even though I did not have all my level 2 skills back, I promised him I would work hard to get all my skills back before competition season started.
I worked hard to build the muscles in my body back.
Within 3 months I had gained 8 lbs, and all that was muscle. I kept my promise to my coach and my team; before competition season started, I had all of my level 2 skills back, and better than ever before. . .but I didn’t stop working there. Five months later, I have my level 3 skills as well. I was so happy the first day I landed my tuck. Diabetes tried to take that away from me, but I worked to hard to let the disease win. Fitness and diet along with my medications are the only way to stay ahead of my Type 1 Diabetes.
I will WIN!
– CHEERFIT Ambassador, Katy Cox
ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY VOLUNTEER OR NONPROFIT?
I help raise money with JDRF to fund research for Type 1 Diabetes. JDRF has fundraising walks and biking events throughout the year.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Voted most coach-able and best base on my team, “A” honor roll, GT (Great Thinker) program at school, Student council and honor choir.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?
I hope someday CHEERFIT can bring more awareness about this disease to athletes. Approximately 1.25 million American children and adults have type 1 diabetes – and it doesn’t have to slow an athlete down. You can keep following your dreams.
HOW HAS BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED YOU?
Being an ambassador has helped me step up my workout – build more core strength, and gain speed in my tumbling.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL OTHERS WHO WANT TO BEOME A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?
The weekly exercises will take you fUrther than the athletes that only work out in class. Training outside of the gym, gives you the extra edge.
WHAT 3 ITEMS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?
Insulin – for high blood sugar
Candy/Juice – For low blood sugar
Extra hair ties
FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:
Katy Perry – This Is How We Do
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?
Plank Jacks
FAVORITE MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE?
“I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.”
– Muhammad Ali
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
This summer I get to go to Camp Sweeney. It’s the BEST Type 1 Diabetes camp in the world. I will spend 3 weeks with other diabetic kids learning how to manage my diabetes on my own and gain more confidence as I treat/beat this disease.
To learn more about Diabetes, JDRf or Camp Sweeney please visit these websites. They are great resources for any questions you may have regarding this disease, and the fight to find a cure.
www.diabetes.org/
Thank you so much for sharing your story Katy! We love your positive outlook and how you don’t let Diabetes define you – instead, you learned to overcome and deal with it in a positive way to motivate others who may be struggling with something similar. We are proud to have you as a CHEERFIT ambassador and look forward to following your cheer and fitness journey!
Stay FIT <3,
your CHEERFIT team
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