Miss Pahrump fundraising for Type I diabetes

Hailey Meads is Miss Pahrump and she will be at Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch’s lake this week raising money for Type I diabetes. On Saturday at 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Meads will be conducting a fundraiser called “Paddle for the Cure.” For this fundraiser people can paddle board, pedal boat or play beach volleyball.

Meads has been active all her life, playing volleyball, basketball, soccer and dancing. She has danced since she was 3. She danced with the Trojans dance team in the past and is a senior. With all the activity, no one really could tell that she suffers from Type I diabetes. Meads was diagnosed with the disease when she was 3.

“I have had this most of my life,” she said. “It’s something that I have struggled with in my own life because I had to stay fit. I have done that mostly through dancing.”

She said Type I diabetes is worse than Type II because there is a cure for Type II but not for Type I.

“People that have Type I are insulin-dependent,” Meads said. “That’s because your body doesn’t make enough insulin. Whenever I eat, I basically need insulin and I also need it when I exercise.”

Meads takes her insulin through a pump, which she said she has had since she was eight. This means she doesn’t have to inject herself.

“I have an insulin pump and this doesn’t bother me,” she said. “The pump is a lot better than shots. I have had this for 10 years.”

She said the disease has slowed her down but has not kept her from doing strenuous activities.

“I remember sometimes being not able to play due to the disease,” Meads said. “Over the years I have learned to control myself and I know my limitations.”

She said she is doing the fundraiser to make people more aware of Type I diabetes and to raise money for a cure.

“Anyone can come out and sign up,” Meads said.

Meads said it’s $15 per person, or $50 per family and there is a special rate for graduating seniors at the high school, $10.

Upon graduating, Meads plans on going to beauty school in Las Vegas.

For more information call Hailey at 775-209-3914.