photo by steed media service

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith has been pretty successful leading his team in championship victories on the gridiron. But Smith also plays on another team, whose job is just as daunting as running touchdowns and forward passes — the American Diabetes Association. This year Smith and his wife, MaryAnne, served as honorary chairs of the fourth annual “Care to Cure: A Sunday Brunch,” the ADA’s major fundraiser, which was held at Soldier Field’s exclusive Cadillac Club. Hundreds of supporters gathered for a silent auction, raffle and appetizing brunch. “I wanted to do something to try and help the cause, and the lives of people with diabetes [to] get better, but we are still trying to find a cure. I just wanted to be a part of the team and help anyway I could,” says Smith

Smith’s mother is a type 2 diabetic, so he has personally experienced the devastating effects this insidious disease can have on a family. He has been actively involved with diabetes research since becoming the Bears’ head coach back in 2004. “My wife and I have been involved with diabetes in general, [and] especially [with] the American Diabetes Association. [Through this] big fundraiser, [we’re] trying to bring more attention to this deadly disease that affects so many [people] in our lives.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit education programs, advocacy efforts and research to find a cure. According to the ADA, nearly 21 million people have diabetes and that number continues to grow. –tony binns

Send this article to a friend