Learning a New Way & Taking Charge: 12-Year-Old Navigates Type I Diabetes

DAYTON, Ohio -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 12-year-old Riley during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, May 7, at 7:05 pm, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree takes a lap around the bases at Day Air Ballpark during a Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Riley’s Story

In January 2025, Riley’s parents accompanied her to the pediatrician’s office for a routine wellness check. Riley, an outgoing and active tween who enjoys dancing, baking, and coloring, was experiencing an increased need to use the restroom and thirst. They were hoping to figure out why this change in routine was happening.

At the pediatrician’s office they found traces of sugar in Riley’s urine after preliminary tests. Their doctor then alerted the family that this could potentially lead to a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. After additional testing, Riley’s blood sugar levels were shown to be extremely high. Riley and her family spent the next three days at the hospital meeting with dietitians, social workers, nurses, and doctors, learning how to deal with the challenges of her new normal.

Upon returning home, everyone in the family had a lot to adjust to – monitoring carbs, attending quarterly checkups, routinely checking her blood sugar, and administering insulin shots. Riley faces many challenges, one of which is figuring out what foods spike her blood sugar levels. If her blood sugar levels get too low, she needs to eat a fast-acting carb. If her blood sugar level gets too high, an insulin shot must be given.

Riley faced her diagnosis with amazing strength. While initially overwhelming and stressful, she continues to approach it with grace. Her friends ask her a lot of questions and she sees it as a chance to educate others about diabetes.

“Kids with diabetes are just like other kids…it’s just another chapter in your life and you can be the same person you were before,” said Riley.

Riley aspires to become a professional dancer. She is happy when she’s with her friends, enjoys a good cheeseburger, and looks forward to vacation in Michigan this summer.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Riley’s life, including her mom, dad, extended family, friends, and entire medical team.

Join us at the Dragons game on Wednesday, May 7, to celebrate Riley’s Home Run for Life.

To learn more about Anthem Home Run for Life, visit www.daytondragons.com/hrfl.