Lily Daecher

Lily Daecher – Pennsylvania
Nomination & Photography by Hosh Posh Photography
Issue 86 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Lily Daecher is an incredibly inspiring teen! Lily was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in the summer of 2022. All while learning of this illness, changing her lifestyle and working towards remission, she continued to play volleyball on the Varsity volleyball team, was a member of the yearbook committee, environmental action club and Link Crew at her high school. Her passion for reading was captured in her senior photos. Lily is a true example of how to face a challenge and overcome it.
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Photography by Hosh Posh Photography
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What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
During the period of time when I was participating in ongoing tests, I worked very hard to focus on the things that were in my control. I tried to take one day at a time and not obsess about my health and what I could/could not possibly be dealing with for the long term. It was then that my passion for reading exploded. Instead of focusing on what was happening in my life, I was able to get lost in the characters' lives in the books I was reading.

What do you want people to know about your autoimmune disease?
When I was 15, I was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease which is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. Before I was diagnosed, I was dealing with an extremely high heart rate, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, dizzy spells, severe weight loss, and more. I was seeing a cardiologist and an endocrinologist several times a week going through numerous tests until we figured out what was wrong and the best way to approach it. Needless to say, it was a very stressful time.

How has it shaped your future?
Since my diagnosis, I am more aware of what steps I need to take to stay healthy. I have changed my lifestyle choices by making healthier decisions on what I eat, taking time to work out to stay fit, and paying more attention to changes in my body. I am more appreciative of what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle so I can stay in remission for as long as possible.

What is a favorite family tradition you hope never ends?
Christmas Eve dinner at my nana’s house. It brings all of our relatives together who we don’t see as often and it is always fun. We have lots of delicious food, play games and enjoy laughter and cheer throughout the evening. I look forward to it every year.

What is a family trip memory you will never forget?
For my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary, my entire family went to Rome, Italy to celebrate. It was such a memorable experience traveling to a foreign country with my grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. We explored all of the sights Rome had to offer and even made a day trip to the Ferrari Factory which began my love for Formula One. Traveling with my extended family was such a special adventure that will always hold a special place in my heart.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Formula One racing! It has become a passion of mine ever since visiting the Ferrari Factory in Italy several years ago with my family. At the time, I knew nothing about racing and after visiting, I dove into the world of Formula One. Now my family builds its weekend activities around the races so we can watch them together and celebrate my passion. It has brought me such joy and has created a new family tradition which is so much fun.

What was your favorite book to read this year and why?
Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh is my favorite book I’ve read this year. The story follows Shannon Lynch and her difficult homelife. Throughout the book Shannon finds strength in her relationships with friends and her boyfriend, overcoming the hardships she endures at home. It made me very appreciative of the stable homelife I have and the family that supports me.

What are your responsibilities on the yearbook committee?
I’ve been on the yearbook committee since seventh grade, so this is my sixth and final year. Over the years, I have taken on a more significant role on the team, and this year I am responsible for more than 30 pages, covering everything from sports to Senior portraits. I enjoy working with the team and creating a snapshot of our year in school.

What is Link Crew and what activities do you participate in?
Link Crew is a select group of upperclassmen responsible for Freshman orientation. It includes team meetings over the summer to prepare for orientation day. We lead ice breakers, games, and tours of the high school throughout the day. During the school year we check in with the Freshman to discuss their experience in high school and answer any questions they may have. Members of Link Crew are selected by teachers after students apply for the position.

What else would you like to talk about?
I also found a lot of strength and comfort in my family and friends throughout my journey. It was so comforting to know that I had people to lean on and talk to when I was visiting doctors on a regular basis. My parents and brother were able to help me talk through it when I wanted to, but also able to help me take my mind off of it, if I needed to. My friends helped me keep the laughter and joy in my life all while supporting me.

How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most?
Rachel, the owner of Hosh Posh photography is local to my area and I have been following her for quite a while. She has a very unique style to her photos and really seems to capture what's important to an individual- she doesn't do cookie cutter pictures. She really listened to my vision for my photos and brought them to life. It was so much fun working with her. She made me feel so at ease and I couldn't be more pleased with the results.

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I think it is an opportunity to shine a light on all of the amazing teens in the world. I know I am not the only person who has experienced the unknown, but I hope someone sees my story and it inspires them to work through whatever difficulties they may be facing in their own life.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
The entire day we took pictures at the library really stands out. Rachel put me at ease right away and really made the process so much fun. I had trouble keeping a straight face at times, because we were laughing and giggling throughout the shoot. She really saw me as a person and helped me capture my passion for reading in such a beautiful way.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I am extremely excited to finalize my path to college and major in Hospitality Management. The idea of living on a college campus, meeting new people, and experiencing life away from home is a little scary, but also very exciting. I am looking forward to where this major can take me and the opportunities it offers.

Look for Lily in issue 86 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!
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click here for more information on issue 86

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Images of Lily daecher by Hillary Daecher