LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., Nov. 3 If you followed professional basketball during any of Chris Dudley's 16 seasons in the NBA, you'll remember him as exceptional at rebounding and shot-blocking. What you may not know, however, is that even at 6'11", the fact that Chris played at all is pretty remarkable...Chris was the first Type 1 diabetic to play professional basketball. Now, in time for Diabetes Awareness Month, Chris is sending his message of perseverance and passion directly to kids in the new children's book, Chris Dreams BIG, co-authored with his wife, Chris Love-Dudley.
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Chris loved being a kid! He also loved dreaming of his plan to one day play professional basketball. Life was pretty good! But one morning Chris woke up and found that he was facing the biggest challenge of his life. Chris had to decide if he was going to let his newfound condition end his dream or find the courage to keep playing the game he loves! Chris Dreams BIG is a triumphant story of a boy who overcomes adversity. Chris learns a valuable lesson when he discovers that he is not the only person facing challenges. His life is forever changed when he realizes that challenges do not always have to keep you from doing the things you love.
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Chris Dudley's NBA career included stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers as well as the New York Knicks. Following his retirement from pro sports, Chris founded the Chris Dudley Foundation, dedicated to educating and empowering kids with diabetes to live active and successful lives. In recognition of his significant contributions both to the league and through his foundation, Chris received the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1996 and USA Today's Most Caring Athlete Award in 1997. Chris is a graduate of Yale University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and political science in 1987. He lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon with his wife, Chris, and their three children. Further information about the foundation and its activities may be found at www.chrisdudley.org.
Chris Dreams BIG
By Chris Dudley and Chris Love-Dudley
Illustrated by Karl Edwards
Published by CCD Productions, Inc., $14.95 Hardcover
Available through amazon.com and chrisdudley.org
SOURCE Chris Dudley Foundation
