Lapel HS basketball player raises funds for Type 1 diabetes research

LAPEL, Ind. (WISH) – High school senior and basketball player Griffin Craig is raising awareness and money for Type 1 diabetes research by making 1,000 free throws.

November is National Diabetes month, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Craig told News 8 he’s a shooting guard at Lapel High School and has Type 1 diabetes.

He’s stepping onto the court to not only compete but to use his platform to motivate others.

Nearly $3,000 has been raised for JDRF, a global organization that funds Type 1 diabetes.

Craig said he was diagnosed during his 8th grade basketball season and mentioned he was always thirsty, wasn’t very hungry and got really itchy during physical activity.

He later went to the hospital.

Craig said at the time he didn’t know how it would affect his life with basketball.

The basketball player added with hard work you can do whatever you put your mind to, though it’s been a tough road.

“You can still eat whatever you want and it’s not the end of the world. It’s not like something really bad, you’re not going to die because of it as long as you take really good care of yourself,” said Craig . “You can still do everything a person that doesn’t have it can do.”

Craig mentioned he doesn’t let diabetes define him despite having to keep his blood sugar at a good level to play at a high level.

He added the support from his family and teammates is what keeps him going.