Celebrities with Diabetes

Some of you may have already seen the post about Jay Cutler (under the Diabetes Awareness Month tab above), but I thought it was worth sharing again - along with some other celebrities who have T1D.  I know when Savanna was first diagnosed, one of the things we did, while sitting in the hospital bed at CHOP was jump online and take a look famous people with T1D.  There weren't many she recognized, but she was very excited to see Nick Jonas' name on the list.  I think it helped her realize that she is not the only person in the world with T1D...and, of course, she thinks he is "so cute", which didn't hurt in helping us get through that week at CHOP.  

It's great to hear celebrities, athletes, and other public figures speak out about their daily struggles and dealings with TID - not only for the children who look up to them, but for the parents.  I hear a 20-some year old talk about his struggles, but also how he's overcome those struggles to be a successful football player and know that it is possible for Savanna to lead a healthy, happy, and successful life - despite also having to deal with T1D.  

Here are some other celebrities with T1D and information I found about their contributions towards the Diabetes community:

Jay Cutler - Quarterback for the Chicago Bears

In a radio interview, Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler talks about how his life has changed since being diagnosed with T1D in 2008.  You can hear a clip of his radio interview here.   ESPN.com also did a follow-up article on Culter's Diabetes, as a result of his radio interview.  We're a true Philadelphia Eagles family here, but hearing Cutler speak up about T1D may have me cheering for the Bears on occasion (when they are not playing the Eagles, of course!)

Nick Jonas - Musician

After being diagnosed with Diabetes in November 2005, when he was 13 years old, Jonas has played a huge role in speaking out for T1D.  He is very involved in Diabetes awareness - though his own non-profit organization, Change for the Children, as well as work with the American Diabetes Association.  I think it's awesome for children like Savanna to see someone they are familiar with speak out about Diabetes and their daily lives with Diabetes.

Some Other Celebrities with T1D:

Bret Michaels - Lead Singer of Poison

Vanessa Williams - Actress

Sonia Sotomayor - Supreme Court Judge

Mary Tyler Moore - Actress

Anne Rice - Author