Sidebar of the week

Ron Santo tribute - 2010 - Rare Photos of Ron Santo - Photos - SI.com

Click on the above link to see some photos of Ron Santo, who passed away today of bladder cancer and complications from Diabetes.

Ron Santo came into my life when I was 10 years old. I was playing traveling baseball at the time, and upon being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes one of the parents of a teammate had a connection to Ronnie. Through this connection, Ron was given my name and phone number, and gave me a call at home to provide me with a few words of encouragement. I still remember him asking me about the sports I played, position etc., and saying that as long as I kept my Diabetes in control I could do anything I wanted in this life. Even though it was just a few minutes, I'll remember the conversation for the rest of my life.

A big part of what has really made me believe that I didn't have to be limited by Diabetes (along with my wife and my parents, who give me the strength to never have to feel sorry for myself) was watching Ronnie's positive attitude throughout the years, even after having both legs amputated and other associated health issues. He showed that passion, joy and reaching out to those around you (both at the ballpark and during his "Walks for the Cure") can help you overcome any obstacle. What is surprising to those of us who have Diabetes is that Ronnie was able to play professional baseball without the benefit of a glucometer--basically "driving blind" through all those games, through all those years.

While there are athletes out there (Jay Cutler, for one) who play at the top of their professions with Type 1 Diabetes and show the rest of us that anything is possible while living with this disease, it is people like Ronnie who show us that we are not only physically but spiritually limitless. God Bless you Ronnie. I hear in heaven that even the Cubbies win the World Series every once in a while.