When I was diagnosed with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) in elementary school, I remember hearing a lot about the things I might not be able to do. Sports were one of the biggest concerns. Because physical activity, stress, and injuries can trigger swelling attacks, there were questions about whether competing at a high level would even be possible for me. At the time, that was hard to hear because I loved sports and wanted to compete just like everyone else. Looking back now as a college athlete, I’m grateful I never let HAE define what I believed was possible for my future.
Growing up with HAE taught me responsibility at a young age. I had to learn how to recognize symptoms, manage triggers, communicate with coaches and trainers, and stay prepared for emergencies. There were definitely challenging moments along the way. Playing competitive sports means pushing your body physically and mentally, and there were times I worried about how HAE could affect my performance or my ability to stay on the field. But over time, I realized that preparation, support, and determination could take me much farther than fear ever would.
In high school, I played both baseball and soccer, eventually becoming a team captain and helping my team win a state championship. Those experiences gave me confidence that HAE did not have to stop me from competing at a high level. Today, I am proud to be a starting pitcher for the Methodist University baseball team while studying engineering in college. Balancing athletics, academics, and managing a rare disease is not always easy, but it has taught me discipline, resilience, and time management. Living with HAE has actually made me mentally stronger because I’ve learned how to adapt and keep moving forward even when challenges come up.
One of the biggest reasons I wanted to share my story is because I know there are younger athletes with HAE who may feel discouraged or uncertain about their future. I want them to know that having HAE does not mean giving up on big goals or dreams. It may require extra planning and support, but it is still possible to succeed in sports, school, and life. Having a strong support system has made a huge difference for me, including my family, teammates, coaches, doctors, and the HAEA community. Organizations like the HAEA help people with rare diseases feel less alone and provide resources that truly make an impact.
The HAEA scholarship has been an incredible blessing during my college journey, and I’m thankful for the continued support. More than anything, I hope my story encourages others living with HAE to believe in themselves and keep pursuing what they love. Whether your dream is athletics, academics, music, business, or something completely different, HAE does not have to be the thing that holds you back. Challenges may be part of the journey, but they do not have to decide the outcome.
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