From the Soccer Field to the Doctor's Office: Baylee Simmelink on Growing Up with Celiac Disease

When Baylee Simmelink was nine years old, she was sick every night before bed — stomach cramps, vomiting, real pain. For a while, the adults around her thought she was just trying to avoid bedtime. Sound familiar? For so many people living with chronic and invisible illness, getting someone to believe you is half the battle.In this episode of Invisible Strength, Karin sits down with Baylee — a college soccer player at Northwest Missouri State University and elementary education major — who was diagnosed with celiac disease at age 9. Baylee shares what it was like growing up gluten-free before there were options, navigating birthday parties and school snacks with a “special drawer” her mom arranged with the teacher, and pushing through the intimidating world of college dining halls as a Division II athlete. Her mom also has celiac, which gave Baylee something most newly diagnosed people don’t have: someone who truly gets it.This one is for anyone who has ever cried in a restaurant because there was nothing on the menu they could eat. Anyone raising a child with celiac. Anyone who has had to advocate for themselves when they were terrified to do it. Baylee’s journey — from a tearful nine-year-old in a doctor’s office to a college soccer player managing her condition with confidence — is a reminder that the hard things we’re forced to go through often become the things that shape us most. Listen and hit subscribe now!Start here ➡ Take the free 2-min Your Journey Quiz 🌐 Check out Community Resources HERE. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.