There are a number of athletes who do amazing work though their foundations. But I think you’ll have a tough time finding someone who is as passionate about their cause as I am. I’m proud that I’ve been able to play on the LPGA tour for 24 years. I’m even more proud that I’ve been able to do it as a Type 1 Diabetic. That’s why I started the Michelle McGann Foundation, so that we can someday find a cure for diabetes, while helping kids who suffer from it to lead the best life they can.
As someone who has known that they’ve been diabetic since age 13, I can tell you that diabetes never takes a day off. Skipping a meal or not taking your insulin isn’t an option. If you think it takes dedication to become a professional athlete, you should see the dedication and discipline that kids have in fighting their diabetes. They’re life depends on it.
I started my foundation just before I got married a few years ago. Without the support of my husband, family and friends, none of it would have been possible. My husband helps me greatly with the organization and helps handle the finances. But it’s been his support that helped me to realize the difference we can make when we put our mind to it. He once told me, “It’s amazing how much of an impact you can have on people by just being yourself.”
We recently had an event where we had a number of young girls who have diabetes in attendance. When you look at them, they look perfectly normal and healthy. It doesn’t seem to be a big deal at all. And then you hear their stories; the sacrifices they have to make to keep their blood sugar normal. And there’s no magic cure. To this day, I’m constantly experimenting with what foods I can eat, and when I can eat them. No two days are ever the same.
I look at some of my fellow athletes who are fighting the disease—Scott Verplank, Jay Cutler, Kelli Kuehne—and I admire their perseverance. Growing up, it felt like I was the only person that had it. Unfortunately, more and more people are diagnosed every year.
When one of the girls at our recent event was asked what she would like to do when she grows up, she said, “I want to play golf, just like Michelle.” And when you have a moment like that, any fear you had of making a commitment to start a foundation, to raise funds, to donate your time and energy, they all subside, and you remember what we were put on Earth to do—to help one another.
For more information on Michelle’s foundation, visit MichelleMcGann.com.
