Donovan McNabb

Donovan McNabb recently had the honor of opening the Philadelphia Stock Exchange on behalf of the American Diabetes Association. On November 1, 2005 Donovan McNabb rang the opening bell 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, 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."

The American Diabetes Association is proud to be the largest provider of camps for children with diabetes in the world. Each year more than 10,000 children benefit from camping programs provided through American Diabetes Association funding. Diabetes camp is often an unforgettable adventure for children. To find a diabetes camp near you that is operated or funded by the American Diabetes Association, call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).