la rabida children's hospital

Bears QB Tackles Diabetes at La Rabida

“What’s the worst part of having diabetes?” a little one boldly asked Chicago Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler during a summer visit to La Rabida.
 
“The finger pricks,’’ the football sensation candidly admitted during a Q & A session with more than 200 fans gathered in November-like weather conditions.
 
The die-hard fans, some dressed in heavy sweatshirts and wrapped in blankets, huddled together during the two-hour event, “Tackling Diabetes: A Day of Inspiration with Jay Cutler.” The Bears’ new quarterback came to share his experience with managing his illness and inspire children who also have diabetes.
 
“It’s tough, but it doesn’t have to hold you back,’’ he told the group of adoring fans, some of whom traveled from as far east as Crown Point, Indiana and as far north as Grayslake.
 
Cutler: One-on-One with Kids with Diabetes
The session was part of a two-day affair, enabling Cutler to spread the word about the Jay Cutler Foundation, his way of giving back and reaching out to children. Beyond his foundation and football work, Cutler is the Inspire Diabetes Campaign spokesperson for Lilly USA.
 
On Day I, Cutler enjoyed an intimate visit with La Rabida patients, families and staff. He met with kids who represent La Rabida’s highly-recognized diabetes program and took a hospital tour led by 16 year old Dan Kelly, an athlete who like Cutler has diabetes and CEO and President Paula Jaudes, M.D.
 
On Day II, the hundreds gathered for the meet and greet with Cutler. Following the Q & A, he signed photos for the kids, many of whom abruptly repositioned themselves to have their jerseys or caps inked. “He’s so great to do this,’’ one devoted dad remarked with appreciation. The event scrapbook shows the delight he brought to nearly 100 kids.
 
More about QB Cutler
Formerly the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Cutler was diagnosed last spring with type I diabetes. 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.  Read Jay Cutler's bio to learn more about the quarterback.