Pro-Baller Gary Forbes Works To ‘Strike Out Diabetes’

Being 19-years old is an odd age.  You’re legally an adult, yet, still not old enough to fully engage in all adult things.  It’s the last of your teen years.  If you’re 19, and in college, you’ve just wrapped your freshman year (yay, you have college credits), and are now transitioning into sophomore year – which is relatively problem-free.  In fact, the only challenges most college sophomores face is stretching a dollar into textbooks, groceries, and an outfit for the weekend’s social gathering.

However, when pro-basketball player, Gary Forbes, reached that moment in his life, he was faced with a more difficult obstacle – he was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes.

Initially hiding his diagnosis out of concern for his prospective pro-basketball career, the 6’7″ former UMass small forward, quickly overcame his apprehension about disclosing his condition.  With the aid of his biggest supporter – his father, a diabetic who’d been living with the illness for over 25 years – Gary was able to combat the stigma of being sick by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  In 2008, he was the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, and eventually realized his dream of playing in the NBA.

Today, the Brooklyn-groomed baller helps raise awareness to help teens with diabetes through the Gary Forbes Foundation, and provides emotional support on TypeOneTwo.org.

On September 5th and 6th, the Gary Forbes Foundation will present its “Strike Out Diabetes” Celebrity Softball Weekend in Brooklyn, NY.  The festivities kick off with a VIP reception on Friday evening, and Saturday morning at the Parade Grounds in Prospect Park, Gary and several of his famous friends will play in the 2nd Annual Celebrity Softball Tournament – immediately followed by a tasting contest in the afternoon.