Fund A Cure with Michael Freytag | Breakthrough T1D Syracuse Gala 2026

Michael's Story

My name is Michael Freytag. Athletics has always been a big part of my life. I was always active. Lacrosse was my primary sport long before I even thought about touching a volleyball. In September 2003, I was admitted to the hospital and I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I remember sitting on the bed and the endocrinologist saying “activity can cause low blood sugar”.  My immediate thought was “am I still going to be able to play lacrosse?” “Am I going to even get a chance to play volleyball?”  which was about to start. “ Am I going to be able to play sports again?” The answer was YES!

Yes I was able to continue playing lacrosse, but I was also able to start what would become my new passion, volleyball. It’s not something I thought would take me anywhere, boy was I wrong. Out of the three sports I played in high school, I chose to pursue volleyball at the next level. I was fortunate in my time playing at Springfield college to be a part of 3 national championship teams. Volleyball has taken me all across the country and even different parts of the world. Currently, I am able to coach for my High school Alma Mater Cicero North Syracuse. I also play for Phoenix Ascension in the Volleyball League of America which is a professional league that was started to give athletes an opportunity to play after college without going overseas.

Now being a high level athlete doesn’t mean I don’t have some of the same struggles anyone else with T1D has. I still have highs and lows. I miscount carbs now and then. The first tournament I played in wearing a CGM, it got caught on the net and ripped it off. My senior year of college I wrote four things on my shoes for extra motivation.The first thing was my grandparents initials that never got a chance to see me play. The second thing was warrior for life because I think living with diabetes makes you stronger for the rest of your life and already a champion. The third thing was fight for a cure. I was told when I was diagnosed that there would probably be a cure in my lifetime. The fourth thing was never give up.

I think in athletics or in life, you have to push and fight though no matter what may come your way to achieve your goals and your dreams. Type 1 diabetics can do anything they set their minds to, including being type none!