Here's tough news: Houston Texans quarterback David Carr's 4-year old son Austin has been diagnosed with type I diabetes. Carr has pledged to use his success to help fight this insidious disease.
"I know I am very fortunate to be financially well-off at my age," said Carr, 25, who in 2002 was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft and has a seven-year, $42 million contract. "I can use my name and position to help lots of others with juvenile diabetes, and it would be a misuse of my gifts if I didn't."People might think it's an easy life that I get to play football for a living. But there are also some hard things that you go through like everybody else."
Austin's daily routine consists of two insulin shots — one in the morning and one at bedtime. His glucose levels must be monitored throughout the day.
To gain better awareness of the challenges to come, Carr and his wife took three 12-hour classes on diabetes at Texas Children's Hospital this offseason. Carr and other family members practiced injecting a needle into an orange.
"I've hated needles my whole life," Carr said. "The first couple of weeks, I had to give Austin the insulin shots because Melody was taking care of the baby. Austin would give me a hard time and say, 'Dad, it's just a needle. It doesn't hurt.' He's way tougher than me."
The Houston Texans Foundation donated $20,000 for juvenile diabetes research in 2004 and has pledged $75,000 during the next three years. The JDRF has been designated one of five charities the Texans Foundation will support during that span.
"Any time you have someone in your family that has any kind of health issue, that really strikes home," Texans owner Bob McNair said. "It makes you realize what's really important in life is your family and friends."
We know about this all too well at our home. You can learn more from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Join the fight -- make a donation.
Posted by Alan at April 13, 2005 06:02 AM