We are thrilled to introduce Kacey Dannels as our Health Messenger of the Month for August 2024! Kacey is an inspiring individual whose dedication and enthusiasm for health and fitness make her a perfect fit for this role. Let’s get to know more about Kacey and her incredible journey.
Let’s Get to Know Kacey!
“I’m a friendly person who loves being around others, especially those who help with my disability,” Kacey shares. Diagnosed at birth with Turner syndrome and a learning disability, Kacey has learned to ask for help when she needs things broken down for better understanding. “My disability makes me a better person knowing that I can do a job and play a sport just like everyone else,” she says proudly. At 31 years old, Kacey enjoys hanging out with friends, playing putt-putt, and socializing. “I do a lot of hanging with friends, going out for social events, and just enjoying life!”
Your Special Olympics Journey
Kacey’s journey with Special Olympics began in her senior year of high school. Thanks to the involvement of a dedicated director and her teachers, she found her place in this wonderful community. Now, she is a proud member of the ARC of Central Plains Buffalos team in Hays, KS. “I got involved my senior year of high school. The director at the time got us all involved,” Kacey recalls. She participates in various sports, including flag football, bowling, track and field, soccer, and volleyball. Her favorite memory is a heartwarming moment when her team came together to help a friend who had fallen during a game, showcasing the true spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. “We all came together to help them back up, even people on the sidelines. It was really special.”
Becoming a Health Messenger
Inspired by her desire to lead a healthy lifestyle and encourage others to do the same, Kacey decided to become a Health Messenger. To her, this role is about more than just personal health – it’s about helping other athletes become healthier and more confident in their abilities. “Knowing that I can become a healthy person and help other athletes get healthy too is really important to me,” Kacey explains. When she found out she was selected as a Health Messenger, Kacey was thrilled. “I was pretty excited! Knowing that I can help others in similar situations or with health problems means a lot.”
Goals and Dreams
As a Health Messenger, Kacey aims to raise awareness about Special Olympics and the health benefits of participating in its activities. She is passionate about helping her teammates and friends achieve their health goals and believes that staying healthy can lead to better outcomes in all areas of life. Kacey’s message to other athletes is simple but powerful: “If you stay healthier, you will have better outcomes and be able to actually do whatever it is that you want to do.”
Personal Insights and Impact
Kacey shared a story about overcoming a significant challenge related to her disability. When she started one of her first jobs, she had to learn how to handle money and operate a cash register. With the support of her coworkers and lots of practice, she mastered these skills and now feels confident in her abilities. “It was tough at first, but my coworkers were really supportive. Now, I understand how to do it better,” she says. Overcoming daily obstacles like this helps Kacey stay motivated and positive.
Her biggest supporters throughout her journey have been her family. They attend all her sporting events and help her navigate everyday challenges. “My family is so important to me. They come to all my events and help me keep healthy habits,” Kacey emphasizes.
Looking Ahead
Kacey is most excited about gaining new tools and knowledge to help her teammates eat better, exercise more effectively, and lead healthier lives. She is eager to assist them in reaching their goals and making positive changes. “I’m excited to teach my teammates how to eat better, exercise better, and just be healthier overall,” Kacey says enthusiastically. Looking five years into the future, Kacey hopes to continue making small, daily choices that lead to a healthier lifestyle. “Just a little healthier every day – that’s my goal.”
Just for Fun
When asked if she had any final thoughts to share with our readers, Kacey’s advice for other athletes considering becoming a Health Messenger was heartfelt: “It is a great opportunity to show yourself and your team that you can become healthy and that you can inspire and help others to do the same.”
Congratulations, Kacey! Your journey and dedication are truly inspiring, and we are excited to see all the amazing things you will accomplish as a Health Messenger. Keep shining and leading the way!
