Henry Rodriguez, MD, (left) medical director of the USF Diabetes Center, with honoree Sam Fuld. — Photo by Dave Scheiber

By Dave Scheiber, USF Foundation

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Throughout his eight major league seasons, Sam Fuld was known for his dazzling defense and smart, all-out style of play that made him a staple of ESPN highlight clips and a fan favorite of the Tampa Bay Rays. But his impact has also been felt powerfully off the field through an ongoing partnership with USF Health.

The annual Sam Fuld T1D Sports Camp has been held since 2012 at the University of South Florida, providing an important outreach to children and families dealing with the life-altering disease of Type 1 diabetes. Each year, faculty and staff of the USF Diabetes Center provide medical supervision for the campers, ages 8 to 17.

Fuld, diagnosed with the condition as a child, has become a national role model and spokesman on the T1D front – with his USF camp at the core of his work. And on Thursday night, Feb. 15, the new member of the Philadelphia Phillies front office was honored at the Governor’s Baseball Dinner in an annual gathering of Major League baseball luminaries at Tropicana Field.

Fuld was greeted by a loud ovation from a crowd that included MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, a host of officials from the 15 clubs in Florida’s Grapefruit League and an array of past stars of the game. He began by expressing his gratitude for being recognized by MLB and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, and thanking the team on hand that has played a key role in making the camp a reality for the past seven years: Henry Rodriguez, MD, the USF Diabetes Center clinical director;  Amanda Terry, PhD, research faculty member for the center; and volunteer camp coordinator Craig Bobik, a fellow diabetic who has assisted Fuld since the event’s inception.

But rather than simply say a few passing words, Fuld used the opportunity to educate and spread awareness about type 1 diabetes (T1D). Called to the podium by veteran Rays broadcaster Dave Wills, on a stage set up in right field at the Trop, he opened his remarks by noting, “I’ve been a diabetic since age 10, a little over 25 years now. I know that most of you are probably a little unfamiliar with Type 1 diabetes so bear with me.”

Fuld talks to some young campers before a sports clinic at the USF baseball field.

Among his points over the next five minutes: T1D is an unpreventable autoimmune disease that attacks the pancreas, robbing the body of its ability to produce insulin, which regulates blood sugar. The result is that those afflicted with the condition become dependent on insulin injections via pens or pumps, and a lifetime of daily finger pricks to test blood glucose levels.

“I have my insulin pens with me all the time,” he explained.  “I’m also constantly monitoring my blood sugar, on average seven or eight times a day where I prick my finger and maybe almost six times a day when I’m injecting myself.”

Fuld, a mathematics and statistical standout from Stanford University, did some calculating earlier in the day and came up with some eye-opening results: “I guess in my T1D career, you could call it, I’ve now administered a shot about 55,000 times and I’ve pricked my finger about 68,000 times.”

But harder than the daily regimen of injections and finger pricks, Fuld continued, is the constant vigilance and diligence required to manage T1D, which can be lethal if left unchecked.  “It’s an emotionally and mentally taxing disease, so a lot of what we do at the camp is just give these kids a break. We create an environment where they feel comfortable and they’re normal, and they get to just share experiences and learn from one another.”

Fuld spoke about the variety of sports the camp offers, as well as the counselor/coaches who have T1D themselves. “They’re incredible role models. And I’m excited to continue the camp here for many years to come. I have no visions of stopping until we find a cure, and I’m really excited to be part of the T1D community in this great Tampa Bay area.”

The comment was greeted with loud applause as Fuld left the stage, soon greeted by guests wanting to pose for photos or talk to him about his message. Meanwhile, Wills added over the mic: “I’ve been doing Rays games for a little more than 13 seasons, and I’ve been around the game for about 25 years and all I can say is baseball needs a few more Sam Fulds. Sam is one of my favorites of all time, and I wish him nothing but the best as he moves into the front office of the Phillies.”

USF Health pediatric endocrinologist Verena Jorgensen, MD, was among the USF Diabetes Center staff providing medical supervision at the 2018 Sam Fuld T1D Sports Camp held in early February at the USF Tampa campus recreation facilities. 

Though he’ll soon be relocating to Philadelphia with his wife and four young children, Fuld will be back at USF come February 2019 – ready to provide a weekend of fun and normalcy for a new round of campers living in the challenging world of T1D.

To learn about how to participate in the 2019 Sam Fuld T1D Sports Camp at USF or the USF Diabetes Center, visit health.usf.edu/medicine/diabetes.

Major league baseball outfielder Sam Fund is surrounded by young campers at the diabetes sports camp he hosts each year at USF.

This year’s Sam Fuld USF Diabetes Sports Camp attracted a record number of kids from Florida and across the country and added more sports to the mix of those practiced by the youngsters.

Held at the USF Athletic District this past weekend, Feb. 1 and 2, the 3^rd annual camp was hosted by Sam Fuld, a major league baseball outfielder diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 10.  He conducts the camp in partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays, the USF Diabetes Center, and Florida Diabetes Camp.

Youngsters, ages 8 to 17 with type 1 diabetes, along with a sibling or friend, participated in many sports including baseball, softball, tennis,  football, soccer, golf, and cheerleading.  This year, volleyball and dance were added, bringing more excitement to the camp. 

Fuld pitches to a camper during one of the baseball sessions.

Unlike other diabetes camps, every coach at this camp has type 1 diabetes and has been a successful professional or collegiate athlete in his or her sport.  The coaches share a special connection with the campers in dealing with the daily challenges of type 1 diabetes.  The positive messages the campers receive about living with the chronic disease are as important as the chance to catch fly balls, kick field goals or serve tennis balls.

With growing national appeal, the camp attracted 117 campers and their families from 12 states in addition to Florida including Arizona, Georgia, Illinois,  Maryland,  Nebraska, New Hampshire , New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

Dr. Henry Rodriguez, medical director of the USF Diabetes Center, with Fuld.

“Our goal from the outset has been to grow each year and we feel confident that the 2014 camp was even better than the previous two,” Fuld said.

“Adding volleyball and dance further broadened the array of options for the campers, and it gave us the chance to bring in even more coaches who serve as such great role models. Each year, the camp provides the campers with opportunities to share stories and learn from the experiences of other kids and adults with similar histories.”

Henry Rodriguez, MD, medical director of the USF Diabetes Center, and other USF Diabetes Center medical staff and partners provided medical supervision for the campers along with counselors from Florida Diabetes Camp.  Tampa Bay Rays players  Sean Rodriguez and Brandon Gomes visited the camp on Sunday to sign autographs and support Fuld.   Rodriguez even pitched during the Sunday morning scrimmages.

Fuld checks his blood sugar reading before heading out on the baseball diamond to coach.

Fuld  also addressed hosting future camps.

“I can tell you that it does not matter what team I play for or where I play, even if it is in Japan,” he said.  “Because of our great partnership with the USF Diabetes Center, Florida Diabetes Camps, and USF Athletics, the camp will continue here at USF for years to come as our impact on others with type 1 diabetes has been amazing.”

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Kids and their families wait to check in for camp.

Dr. Rodriguez helps out with registering the young campers.

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A USF golfer gives a camper some guidance on his putting technique.

Juan Bustabad, right, minor league baseball manager and short stop, and former major league pitcher Bill Gullickson, were among the coaches.

Coaches from the diabetes sports camp, all of whom live with type 1 diabetes, pose for a group photo with Sam Fuld, center.

Kids coached by athletes who share their daily challenges of living with type 1 diabetes

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The kids who attended the first annual Sam Fuld USF Diabetes Center Sports Camp this weekend got more than a chance to catch fly balls, practice a tennis swing or hone hoop skills.   Throughout the day the youngsters heard positive messages from the camp coaches, all of whom share their daily challenges of living with type 1 diabetes.

Perhaps none more reassuring than the one emphasized by the  athlete who helped organize the camp, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Sam Fuld.

“I’m a little nervous,” Fuld quipped. ” There’s a lot of kids watching me out here.”

“There used to be a stigma attached to having diabetes and being involved in competitive sports, but the medications and therapies available today (to help control blood sugar) are so much better,” said Fuld, who checks his blood sugar throughout the day, including two to three times during games, and gives himself several insulin shots daily. “There’s no reason for diabetes to hold you back in any shape or form.”

More than 100 campers, young athletes with type 1 diabetes invited to bring along  a friend or sibling without diabetes, participated in several sports during the camp, which was held in the USF Athletic District.

Paige Tepper, 10, of Largo, selected baseball-softball, tennis and cheerleading as her sports sessions. Her brother Aidan, 9, who does not have diabetes, joined Paige in the morning for the baseball drills before heading for the soccer field and basketball court.

“I’m glad he came, because he looks out for me,” said Paige, who sported sneakers with pink shoelaces and, like many young campers, wore an insulin pump. “It’s good to have that support.”

Camper Paige Tepper, 10, of Largo, practices her tennis swing.

Athletes, like Fuld and King, who have succeeded at high-level competition while managing their type 1 diabetes provide inspirational role models for the campers, whether they’re interested in sports competitively or for recreation and exercise, said Dr. Henry Rodriguez, medical director of the USF Diabetes Center.

“If these kids want to play baseball, or soccer, or basketball, we want to empower them to do that,” Dr. Rodriguez said.  “Physical activity can help lower blood sugar and improve one’s sense of well being. While balancing activity and blood sugar control can be a challenge for athletes with type 1 diabetes, with proper management they can achieve just about everything.”

Dr. Rodriguez and the staff of the USF Diabetes Center provided medical supervision for the campers, supported by nurses from the Tampa Bay area and counselors from Florida Diabetes camps.   Plenty of granola bars, peanut butter crackers and juice packs were on hand to help campers maintain normal glucose levels.

Dr. Henry Rodriguez (left), medical director of the USF Diabetes Center, says athletes like Fuld who successfully cope with diabetes and compete at a high level, are inspirational role models.

As each new group of campers arrived for the baseball drills, Fuld gathered them together in the dugout for an informal chat. The conversation ranged from his experiences growing up with diabetes to questions about playing professional baseball.

Does he ever get dizzy out on the field?   Fortunately, he’s never had to come out of a game, Fuld said. “If my blood sugar feels low, I pop a few pieces of gum… As an emergency measure, if I need more, I always keep a granola or protein bar in my back pocket.”

How many bats does he have?  “Plenty of extras” in case one breaks.

Fuld encouraged the campers not to be self-conscious about having type 1 diabetes. “I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like me because I was diabetic… so talk to your teammates about it.”

The USF Diabetes Center staff was on hand to provide assistance with blood draws or shots, if needed.

The genesis for the diabetes sports camp originated with Fuld’s tour last August of the newly opened USF Diabetes Center, where he met with young patients and learned about the facility’s family-centered programs and leading-edge research.

“The camp gives kids the chance to learn how to deal with being a diabetic athlete and to gain inspiration from peers and coaches,” Fuld said. “I’m excited about making it an annual tradition in the Tampa Bay area.”

Type 1 diabetes, most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults, occurs when the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes produce no insulin and must use insulin injections daily to control their blood sugar.

For more information about the USF Diabetes Center, visit http://diabetes.health.usf.edu/

Story by Anne DeLotto Baier, video by Amy Mariani and photos by Eric Younghans, USF Health Communications.