1. Subscribe Now
  2. Follow Us
  3. Follow us on Facebook Follow us at Twitter Subscribe to our global feed
  4. |
  5. Advertise

Your guide to the region's top events, mixed with some commentary about life, media, gossip and politics in Washington, DC.

NFL Legend John Madden Speaks Up for Diabetes Research

The football icon gave an emotional talk, urging for more federal support for diabetes research.

By Rachel Cothran

Joe Madden, his grandson Sam, and members of Congress hold a press conference about federal funding for diabetes research.

NFL legend John Madden paid a visit to Capitol Hill yesterday with his six-year-old grandson Sam, who is living with type-1 diabetes. Madden spoke at a press conference on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to urge the renewal of the Special Diabetes Program. If it isn’t renewed, federal support for diabetes research will be cut by 35 percent.

Coach Madden arrived at the charity’s 14th-and-K offices on—what else?—the Outback Steakhouse bus.

The press conference was packed with fans (one of Senator Mike Crapo’s female staffers asked for a photograph—and a hug) as well as a Hill who’s-who including Senate Finance Committee chair Max Baucus and Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health member Orrin Hatch—who cohosted the press conference—along with Senator Pete Domenici, House Energy and Commerce Committee member Joe Barton, and Senate Diabetes Caucus cochairs Susan Collins, Blanche Lincoln, and Mike Castle.

Madden, who choked up a few minutes into addressing the room, said, “I’m not a spokesperson—I’m just a grandfather.” He explained that Sam is one tough kid, as he must endure multiple finger pricks and insulin injections every day: “I’ve seen football players who see a little bit of blood and they pass out!”

Madden visited House speaker Nancy Pelosi before hopping back on the bus to prepare for his appearance at Sunday’s Ravens game.


Category Tags: Scene


Comments


I found your blog web site on google and check a couple of of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the superb operate. I simply further up your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. Looking for forward to studying extra from you in a while!…

Posted by: winstrol, Nov 18, 2011 06:56:14 AM

an interesting venture for everybody. even novices rnas well: Hey – good blog, simply trying round some blogs, appears a reasonably nice platform You Are using. I’m at present utilizing Drupal for a few of my websites however seeking to change certainly one of them over to a platform very a lot the same to yours as a trial run. Anything particularly you would suggest about it?

Posted by: any appliance repair Newport Beach, Sep 17, 2011 03:43:27 AM

I know this isn’t exactly on topic, but i have a web site using the identical program as effectively and i am getting troubles with my comments displaying. is there a setting i am lacking? it’s possible you may help me out? thanx.

Posted by: outdoor lighting manufacturers usa, Sep 13, 2011 02:14:23 AM

Thank you very much for writing this was unbelieveably informative and told me a ton

Posted by: производители металлоконструкций, Sep 06, 2011 03:42:05 PM

john madden-- i have a sports magazine from 1957 that shows a pitcher of a chicago bear game wher pat summerall is getting punched, maybe it’s a common pitcher but if not thought you might have some fun with it ??? interested ?
kenm@sterling-paper.com

Posted by: ken mcwilliams, Feb 15, 2011 06:45:39 AM

Many thanks John keep it up we need all the help we can get. My son has type 1, has had to live with this for 9 years now...he’s 12 years old.

Posted by: ray, Jan 05, 2009 01:37:02 PM

We want to say thank you for figthing for our kids. We have a son that has Type 1 Diabetes. He is 12 years old and has had it for 6 years. He loves football. The kids go thru so much with diabetes. Once again thank you so much.

Posted by: Doug and Nancy , Dec 12, 2007 03:29:21 AM

Thanks for telling it "like it is" so that all can listen.
I am a mother of a 6 year old with Type 1 Diabetes in Canada and I realize how much we require this funding. Hopefully with you speaking up, it won’t be overlooked.

Posted by: Karen Pokocky, Dec 11, 2007 12:32:14 PM

Thanks Coach so much for speaking up for the children. As the father of a 10 year old with Type 1 Diabetes I know all too well how much Diabetes Research needs this funding.

Posted by: Eric, Dec 08, 2007 08:42:55 PM

Post a comment

Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question. Because of the prevalence of spam, we ask that you fill out the code in the image below to help us eliminate spam comments. By posting here, you affirm that you are 13 years of age or older. Washingtonian.com reserves the right to remove or edit content once posted.

Click to download our new iPhone mobile app

 

  1. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (60 Entries)
  2. Academia (2 Entries)
  3. Blogger Beat (94 Entries)
  4. Dating Diaries (50 Entries)
  5. DNC Convention (8 Entries)
  1. More
  1. February 2012 (26 Entries)
  2. January 2012 (65 Entries)
  3. December 2011 (41 Entries)
  4. November 2011 (42 Entries)
  5. October 2011 (24 Entries)
  1. More
Find A ...
Find A Restaurant







  1. Only show Delivery
    Only show Kid Friendly
    Only show Late Night
    Only show Party Space
    Only show Weekend Brunch
Find Events




Find A Happy Hour





  1. search_finda.gif
Find A Spa




  1. search_finda.gif
Find a Home





  1. search_finda.gif
  2. Powered by  
Find A Hotel


  1.   


  2. Reviewed by Washingtonian
  3. Kid Friendly     Valet Parking
    Handicap Accessible    

  4. Childcare
    WiFi
    Pet Friendly
    Bar/Lounge/Dining
    Airport Shuttle
    Salon/Spa
    Swimming Pool
    Fitness Room
    On-site Drycleaning
    Meeting Rooms
    Golf
    Tennis Courts
    Game Room
  5. search_finda.gif
Newsletter Signup
  1. Washingtonian Deals
  2. Bridal Party
  3. Dining Out
  4. Kliman Online
  5. Shop Around
  6. Where & When
  7. Photo Opps
  8. Learn more sign_up.gif
 

What to Do This Weekend: February 9 to 12

Woo at the Zoo, the opening of “Genesis Robot” at Synetic Theater, and the Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival. more

Music Picks: Jack’s Mannequin, All Things Gold, Steve Aoki

Our recommendations for the best in live music over the next seven days. more

Follow Us Follow us on Facebook Follow us at Twitter Subscribe to our global feed
Get the Magazine Washington Lives By

It's your source for dining, nightlife, news, health, shopping and more in Washington.

Subscribe to Washingtonian

Washingtonian Magazine provides the best insights on:

Subscribe today for only $29.95 for 12 issues.