When the Westmoreland Girls Varsity Soccer team decided to raise funds for the American Diabetes Association, it was an easy cause to rally around.
It supported one of their own. 
Six years ago, Hailey Postol, the junior starting goalkeeper on the team, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. So after she posed the idea of raising awareness about diabetes, her teammates and coach quickly sprung to action.
“It was a very good thing to do as a team,” Hailey said. “I appreciate everyone who came together and helped out to raise money.”
The idea became a reality at the Girls Varsity Soccer team’s home game against Oriskany on October 1, which was advertised as a special charity game. Proceeds totaling more than $800 from a basket raffle and bake sale during the game were donated to the American Diabetes Association. As a further show of support, the Girls Varsity Soccer team’s players and coaches wore blue - - the official color of diabetes awareness.
“I spoke to the team about the importance of choosing a charity that dedicates the majority of its funds to actual research,” Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Katie DeCarolis said. “Hailey and her mother did some research and recommended the American Diabetes Association.”
This year marked the third time in as many years the Girls Varsity Soccer team held a charity game to raise money for an important cause. Two years ago, the team raised funds for the More Than a Game Foundation, which supports children diagnosed with cancer, and last year, the team donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.
“I would like to thank everyone who made baskets for the raffle, volunteered to help sell tickets and baked goods during the game and who supported our team and donated to the cause,” Coach DeCarolis said.
As for Hailey and her own personal battle with diabetes, she says she will not allow the disease to change who she is.
“Honestly, sometimes I don’t even remember I have it… it’s just there,” Hailey explained. “In addition to varsity soccer, I play varsity volleyball and always have fun with my friends. I don’t let diabetes stop me from doing anything.”
Which is a positive attitude all can learn from.