la rabida children's hospital

Jay Cutler Calls A Tackle on Diabetes

Tuesday June 23rd, 2009

 
View NBC news coverage of Jay Cutler's visit to La Rabida.

Braving wind and rain, more than 200 Chicago Bears fans huddled together recently outside La Rabida Children’s Hospital as Quarterback Jay Cutler told them, “Diabetes doesn’t have to hold you back.”
 
Cutler was visiting La Rabida as part of a campaign to kick off the Jay Cutler Foundation in Chicago, raising awareness of the disease and bringing a message of inspiration to the children, most of whom suffer with the illness. Patients from Children’s Memorial, Rush and Stroger hospitals also attended the two-hour event.
 
Children peppered Cutler with questions -- “What’s the worst part of having diabetes?’’ and “Will you win the Super Bowl?’’ He predicted a win against Green Bay, then candidly admitted the 10 daily “finger pricks are the worst.”
 
The 26-year-old told the children diabetes has changed his life -- from his daily diet to his overall outlook -- but it hasn’t ruined it.
 
“It’s tough, but it doesn’t have to hold you back,’’ he told the group of adoring fans, who stood cold and wet, shivering with  both their excitement and a chill. They came from as far as east as Crown Point, Indiana and as far north as Grayslake.
 
After the question and answer session, Cutler signed photographs for the children, some of whom abruptly repositioned themselves for the quarterback to ink their jerseys or baseball caps.
 
 “He’s so great,’’ muttered a devoted dad.
 
Formerly the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Cutler was diagnosed last spring with type 1 diabetes last year. At the age of 24, he had to learn to regulate his blood sugar while managing a professional football career, rendering him a role model for millions of kids struggling with diabetes.
 
In April the Chicago Bears signed Cutler, who told Saturday’s group he’s looking forward to an exciting season.

Click for NBC news coverage of this story!