Signing Day for GHS senior athletes is always a big deal, the culmination of years of long practices, sacrifice and determination. With his parents Jesse and Stacy proudly watching, Bode Colman recently signed his NCAA D2 agreement, committing to play lacrosse for Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) where he will study Computer Science. This is a huge accomplishment for any athlete, but it means so much more for Bode and his family.

November is Diabetes Awareness month, and for Bode, who was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease at age 6, the timing of his signing is symbolic.

“He has overcome more than most may realize, to make this dream of playing D2 lacrosse a reality,” said his mom, Stacy. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an incurable, lifelong disease that makes daily life very difficult. Type 1 diabetes affects about 1 in 400 children, adolescents, and young adults under 20 years of age. Stacy explained that most T1D children do not participate in sports past middle school because it is so challenging to manage the disease through growth spurts, teenage hormones, and the daily habits that must be followed to remain healthy, and strong. and capable of playing at peak performance.

From a very young age, Bode said that he wanted their family to help other diabetic kids to be healthy. Stacy said, “Since that moment, our family has made it our mission to do just that.” The family owns Cross-Fit-24 Fitness studio in Gorham, where they help people of all ages reach their personal health goals.

Since age 6, Bode has been working daily towards his dream of becoming a high-level athlete. He has trained hard and has had to consistently manage his nutrition and glucose levels daily, year after year, through winters and lockdowns, vacations, unruly A1C results, frustrating insulin pumps, and incessant needles. No matter the obstacle, he never quit.