Chris Dudley's basketball camp helps kids with diabetes

CORBETT, Ore. (KOIN) -- Thirty years ago, Chris Dudley had a vision to help kids with Type 1 diabetes push beyond their limits. Now his basketball camp gives those kids a shot at something bigger, something Dudley had to push for himself.

He was the first NBA player with Type I diabetes during his playing career. Dudley was 16 when he was diagnosed in 1981.

The Chris Dudley Basketball Camp in Corbett brings kids together from around the world, helping them to take on the daily challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes while learning basketball -- and building lasting connections.

Rose Gallagher, 17, is a 4-time camper from Washington state. She said it's the community at the camp that makes all the difference.

"It's been really special because we get to be around other people that go through the same struggles and, like, know exactly what we're dealing with on a daily basis," Gallagher told KOIN 6 News. "It's just gotten easier over the years."

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that stops your body from making insulin. Diabuddies -- as they are affectionately called -- have to manage their blood sugar with daily shots or a pump.

"The technology is night and day" to help manage the disease daily then it was back then, Dudley said.

The latest technology, like small devices that deliver insulin automatically, make managing diabetes more seamless than ever.

But the one thing that will remain are the bonds formed at the basketball camp.

"It makes a big, big difference," Dudley said. " I would have loved this as a player. Unfortunately this was not around when I was still playing. It would've made life a lot easier."