CHRIS DUDLEY: The First NBA Player with T1D
Chris Dudley was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 16 years old, just after his sophomore season of high school basketball. One of the first questions he asked the doctor was "Can I still play basketball?" With the support of his family and an experienced health care team, Chris was not only able to continue his high school basketball career, but to play four years at Yale University, and on to compete at the highest level - the NBA.
In 1987, Chris joined the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the first person to play in the NBA with Type 1 Diabetes. Today, he remains one of only three people with T1D to play in the NBA. Chris played 16 years in the league. Chris worked hard to achieve his dream. In a time when insulin pumps were a rarity and continuous glucose monitors were unheard of, he put in the extra work and
management to allow him to play to his fullest ability. Chris was recognized during his playing career receiving the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1996 and the USA Today's most Caring Athlete Award in 1997. Many fellow athletes, coaches and trainers spoke of their admiration for Chris' perseverance and inspirational attitude towards life with T1D. Houston Rockets Head Coach, Jeff Van Gundy spoke of Chris saying, "Chris Dudley epitomizes everything an NBA player should be. He worked extremely hard. He shared his gift of being a pro basketball player with children in the community and did tremendous work with pediatric diabetes. Chris always sacrificed for the good of the team. In my time in the NBA, there is no better role model for children than Chris Dudley, who persevered over all odds to have an outstanding NBA career."
After working with many aspiring athletes with Diabetes early in his professional basketball career, Chris wanted to do more to empower the diabetes community to follow their dreams, whatever they may be. In 1994, the Chris Dudley Foundation was established and 1996 marked the first session of the Chris Dudley Basketball Camp, a basketball camp specifically for athletes with Type 1 Diabetes. Each summer, Chris joins 75 youth between the ages of 10-17 with Type 1 Diabetes in Vernonia, OR where experienced coaches, counseling and medical staff guide campers in playing basketball and living active, while properly managing Diabetes. Campers build supportive relationships with peers and staff who remain a support system long after the camp week comes to a close.
Today, Chris lives in sunny San Diego, with his wife, Chris, and 3 children, Charles, Emma, and Sam. Chris continues to encourage children with Type 1 Diabetes to follow their dream - whether it be in athletics, education, or something else - and to live active, full lives!
