ADA's Celebrity Corner

DONOVAN MCNABB 

In November 2005, Donovan McNabb rang the opening bell for the Philadelphia Stock Exchange on behalf of the American Diabetes Association to begin the day's trading and signify the beginning of American Diabetes Month. McNabb and his family have been long-time ADA supporters. In addition to having a family connection to type 2 diabetes, the pro ball player's Donovan McNabb Foundation serves as ADA's major sponsor for the Donovan McNabb Diabetes Camp for Kids.

McNabb lost his grandmother to diabetes-related complications and his father, Samuel, has type 2 diabetes. McNabb has been a passionate ally in the Association's fight against diabetes and through his Foundation, has regularly sponsored ADA's programs, especially those involving youth.

The Donovan McNabb Foundation and the McNabb family, including his mother, Wilma, a registered nurse and brother, Sean, have helped organize many highly successful education and fund-raising events benefiting ADA and people with diabetes in both Philadelphia and Chicago (Donovan's hometown). These events have included diabetes education booths at Philadelphia Eagles promotional events, an annual football clinic to discipline and inspire teamwork for area youth and a celebrity basketball game for charity. Since its inception, the Donovan McNabb Foundation has sponsored more than twenty individual scholarships for young people with diabetes attending ADA's camps.

"Diabetes is a serious disease and it can be especially tough on kids," said McNabb. "But with positive education programs and activities like those provided at American Diabetes Association camps, kids with diabetes can learn to be more comfortable about who they are and what they need to do to manage their disease."

In 2001, McNabb and his father served as honorary co-Chairmen at Philadelphia's American Diabetes Association's Walk for Diabetes. The two also worked with the Association to tape a 30-second diabetes prevention public service ad for the Association. McNabb and his father were featured speakers at the Association's 2002 "Avenue of Dreams" gala, held in Philadelphia.

"It's impossible to measure what the McNabb family has done for people with diabetes and ADA's camping program," said Susan Yannessa, then-Executive Director of ADA's Central Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey Area. "The McNabbs continue to increase their involvement and commitment, which the American Diabetes Association recognized this year with the renaming of our camping program to the Donovan McNabb Diabetes Camp for Kids. Their ongoing financial commitment helps ensure a bright future for the hundreds of children that attend our camps every summer."

For more information, visit Donovan's Web site

MARIA MARIN 

Maria Marin is considered one of the leading motivational trainers on the subject of “Personal Empowerment” and “The Art of Negotiation”. Her captivating presentations and compelling messages have earned this international acclaimed speaker many honors that identify her as one of the most powerful, charismatic and persuasive voices for self-improvement today. She is the author of the self-help book “Secrets of a Confident Women” where she inspires women to believe in themselves. “My passion in life is to be able to help others achieve their dreams,” comments María.

Marín is a national newspaper columnist, who writes on personal growth topics for women. Her column “Mujer Sin Límite” (Women Without Limits) is published weekly in the top markets throughout the U.S. & Puerto Rico. She appears weekly in the TV program “Despierta América” as the motivational expert of the show and currently has a radio show on ABC Radio Networks en espanol.

Maria Marín is a source of inspiration, her mother died of cancer when she was only 8 years old and her loneliness drove her to find comfort in food. As a young girl, she struggled with being overweight and feeling unattractive. At the age of 15, she found out that a new battle awaited her when she became diabetic and discover that she would have to depend on insulin injections for the rest of her life. “My adversities as a child helped me recognize that no matter what hardships come your way, you can still fulfill your dreams,” states Maria. Today, Maria Marin is the honorary spokes person for “Por tu Familia” Latino program of the American Diabetes Association.

NBA PLAYER ADAM MORRISON 

Adam Morrison is a professional basketball player with the Charlotte Bobcats. He was third overall in the 2006 NBA Draft. Morrison played for three years at Gonzaga University and was considered to be one of the top college basketball players in 2005-06, alongside Duke University's J.J. Redick. Morrison was a favorite to win the Naismith and Wooden "Player of the Year" awards. He was named Co-Player of the Year with Redick by the United States Basketball Writers Association and won the 2006 Chevrolet Player of the Year award.

Morrison, who fanatically manages his diabetes to the point of eating exactly the same meals at the same time on game days, is considered a role model for children with the disease and their families. During his freshman year at Gonzaga, Morrison and his life with diabetes were a subject of a five-page article in Sports Illustrated. On the first day the issue appeared in retail outlets, more than 50 parents of children affected with diabetes contacted the Gonzaga athletics department, asking if Morrison could speak to their children. In Morrison's first collegiate season, he garnered more national attention for his diabetes than for his gameplay. Though in the years since, his performance has outpaced his condition in notability. Off the court, Morrison uses an insulin pump.