Athlete Reminds Diabetic Kids to 'Dream Big'
Chris Dudley was a star basketball player in high school when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 16, but went on to embark on a career in the NBA.
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November 13, 2009
Chris Dudley was a star basketball player in high school when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 16. However, during the following two decades he demonstrated the disease need not prevent anyone from pursuing their dreams and thriving.
In fact, Dudley went on to graduate from Yale University, receiving a degree in economics and political science, and then embarked on a 16-year career in the NBA. It included stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers as well as the New York Knicks and earned him praise for his rebounding and shot-blocking skills.
After retiring from sports, the athlete founded the Chris Dudley Foundation, dedicated to educating and empowering kids with diabetes to live active and successful lives. He is also keen to stress this message during the currently celebrated American Diabetes Month with a new book entitled Chris Dreams Big.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 151,000 people below the age of 20 have diabetes and more than 13,000 are diagnosed each year in North America.
Experts suggests that although some cases have a genetic component, modifiable factors such as excessive weight, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle are also major contributing factors.
Survivors and their families may turn to the American Diabetes Association for resources that may help them manage their condition.
Chris Dudley was a star basketball player in high school when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 16. However, during the following two decades he demonstrated the disease need not prevent anyone from pursuing their dreams and thriving.
In fact, Dudley went on to graduate from Yale University, receiving a degree in economics and political science, and then embarked on a 16-year career in the NBA. It included stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers as well as the New York Knicks and earned him praise for his rebounding and shot-blocking skills.
After retiring from sports, the athlete founded the Chris Dudley Foundation, dedicated to educating and empowering kids with diabetes to live active and successful lives. He is also keen to stress this message during the currently celebrated American Diabetes Month with a new book entitled Chris Dreams Big.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 151,000 people below the age of 20 have diabetes and more than 13,000 are diagnosed each year in North America.
Experts suggests that although some cases have a genetic component, modifiable factors such as excessive weight, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle are also major contributing factors.
Survivors and their families may turn to the American Diabetes Association for resources that may help them manage their condition.
