It was in February, 2003, that I read a story regarding a residential  basketball camp for kids with diabetes that was founded by former Portland Trail Blazers center, Chris Dudley.  This camp draws children from around the world.  Chris Dudley has had Type 1 diabetes since the age of 16.  He  decided not to let his diabetes get in the way of pursing his dream to play professional basketball.  He played in the NBA for years. 

Basketball has been a big part of my life because my son, Ian, has played for the past ten years.   After reading the article about the Dudley camp, I was sure that a  camp in Chicago, especially one that targeted inner city kids with diabetes, could be successful.  My goal was to provide the opportunity for kids to learn to manage their diabetes within the context of something meaningful and enjoyable.  No formal education, no classroom activities, just teaching moments while they were playing ball. 

One day during an office visit , I chatted with one of my patients, Mrs. Joan Judelson, about my dream of establishing a camp.   Joan, who has had diabetes for over 35 years, suggested that I put my ideas on paper.   I was not aware that Joan's husband, Robert, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Bulls.  I promised Joan to present my ideas to her husband, who loved it.   Mr. Judelson showed my proposal to Jerry Reinsdorf, who then assigned the camp idea to Larry Stewart, General Manager of The Chicago Bulls Training Academy.  My idea of a scholarship camp, free of charge to all children who attended, was going to become a reality. 

During this time, Moses Cheeks became my patient.  He is the father of  Maurice Cheeks, an NBA coach.  Mr. Cheeks was recovering from pancreatic cancer and had Type 1 diabetes.  His love for the game of basketball and his desire to help others was as strong as Larry's and mine.  He joined us in many late night meetings to help plan this camp over the course of the following year.

The inaugural session took place on August 2-6, 2004, at Chicago's De LaSalle Institute. Twenty-one girls and 46 boys attended the week long session, free of charge, courtesy of the Chicago Bulls.  Camp was staffed with coaches from the Training Academy and diabetes educators from the Chicago area.  Kids learned the fundamentals of basketball while managing their diabetes.   The camp was an overwhelming success!! 

Sadly,  as Mr. Cheeks and I planned and looked forward to our second camp, his cancer recurred.  He fought a long, courageous battle which he eventually lost.  Mr. Cheeks died, July 31, 2005, the day before camp was to begin.  Our second camp welcomed seventy kids with diabetes.  It, too, was an overwhelming success!  We believe that we made Mr. Cheeks proud.  We hope to add more camps next year,  providing more children the opportunity to manage their diabetes while playing basketball.  Camp is a great time for everyone involved and the Slam Dunk Kids are an inspiration to all of us.        

Sincerely,

Monica Joyce M.S.R.D.C.D.E.

If you are interested in your child attending this camp please visit our Events page to fill out an application.