In November 2005, Donovan McNabb rang the opening bell for the Philadelphia Stock Exchange on behalf of the American Diabetes Association to begin the day's trading and signify the beginning of American Diabetes Month. McNabb and his family have been long-time ADA supporters. In addition to having a family connection to type 2 diabetes, the pro ball player's Donovan McNabb Foundation serves as ADA's major sponsor for the Donovan McNabb Diabetes Camp for Kids. McNabb lost his grandmother to diabetes-related complications and his father, Samuel, has type 2 diabetes. McNabb has been a passionate ally in the Association's fight against diabetes and through his Foundation, has regularly sponsored ADA's programs, especially those involving youth. The Donovan McNabb Foundation and the McNabb family, including his mother, Wilma, a registered nurse and brother, Sean, have helped organize many highly successful education and fund-raising events benefiting ADA and people with diabetes in both Philadelphia and Chicago (Donovan's hometown). These events have included diabetes education booths at Philadelphia Eagles promotional events, an annual football clinic to discipline and inspire teamwork for area youth and a celebrity basketball game for charity. Since its inception, the Donovan McNabb Foundation has sponsored more than twenty individual scholarships for young people with diabetes attending ADA's camps.
