Swing to Cure Diabetes – May 17 – M Golf Course

Another member of the Michigan football family is stepping up and giving back.  Former U-M quarterback/cornerback Rich Hewlett is holding the second edition of his ‘Swing to Cure Diabetes’ at the Blue Course on Monday, May 17.   The outing benefits both JDRF (The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and the University of Michigan Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UMCDC). 

Details from the official website:

Date:  Monday, May 17th, 2010
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Format: 11:00 a.m. Shot-gun Start
Location:  University of Michigan Golf Course  500 Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost:
$250/per golfer
To Register:  Download and complete the Registration Form
Register By: 
May 1, 2010

I was at the last Swing event, held in 2008 at the Blue Course as well.  Many dignitaries were in attendance including honorary chair Kathy Schembechler along with coach Carr:

These are great causes and it’s a wonderful event.  It’s a great chance to play the U-M course and meet some cool folks and help fight this awful disease.  I’ll be out there and hope to see you too.

For more info, to join the outing or to donate or sponsor, check out their website: swingtocurediabetes.com. 

————————————————————————————-

As for Hewlett, his claim to fame while donning the winged helmet will always be getting the start as a freshman against Art Schlichter and the Buckeyes in Columbus  Ann Arbor in 1979.   Bo along with then-quarterbacks coach Don Nehlen met with Hewlett on Monday of game week and let him know they were thinking of giving him the starting nod (but to keep it quiet).  By Thursday the team was told that it would be Hewlett getting the snaps. 

On gameday Hewlett threw an early interception but recovered and starting moving the ball, building confidence with each drive.  In the 2nd quarter he was sacked & his shoe caught up in the artificial turf.  The result was a few torn ligaments and he didn’t return in the 18-15 loss.  Sports Illustrated captured the hit (thanks to the SI Vault):

hewlett_sack_ohio_state

For more info, to join the outing or to donate or sponsor, check out their website: swingtocurediabetes.com.

6 Comments

  • Omar

    I was at this event last year and it was really well-done and a lot of fun. As you know, juvenile diabetes is a growing problem in the United States and across the world, so this is an important and timely cause.

  • Chris

    @Omar

    Easily corrected by eliminating the use of high fructose corn syrup as a filler for heavily processed foods. The data is undeniable. Since gov’t approval, the cases of juvenile diabetes has correspondingly trended with HFCS use.

  • BiggieMunn

    As a father of a young son with Type 1 diabetes I did not find your comment humorous. A few facts about the disease to set the record straight…

    -T1D is an auotimmune disease in which the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas are destroyed.
    – Currently, there is no way to prevent T1D.
    – T1D is fatal unless treated with insulin. T1’s need to take mutiple daily insulin injections or administer insulin through an insulin pump.
    – Most T1’s check their blood glucose 6-10 times per day. Monitoring blood glucose is a constant balacing act and it is something that needs to be done 24/7/365. Blood glucose levels that go too high or low can cause a seizure (or worse).
    – Possible complications from the disease – retinopathy, heart disease, neuropathy, and even amputation.
    – On average, the current life expectancy of a child with T1D is shortened by 7-10 years.
    – There is no cure for T1D.

    Many props to Rich & Chris Hewlett for putting on this outing – I look forward to playing again this year.

    Now I’m done.

    Biggie@Chris