Former Patient and Current College Basketball Athlete Hosts Basketball Camp for current La Rabida Patients

photo courtesy of La Ribida Hospital
photo courtesy of La Ribida Hospital

Former Patient and Current College Basketball Athlete Hosts Basketball Camp for current La Rabida Patients

On Saturday, August 1st, former patient Cooper Farrall exemplified the future possibilities made possible by the best-in-class care he received at La Rabida Chicago Children’s Diabetes Center (CCDC).

Currently, a collegiate basketball athlete at Bentley University, Cooper hosted a free basketball camp for La Rabida patients living with type 1 diabetes and other chronic conditions at the Pullman Community Center in Chicago.

During the camp, kids listened to Cooper’s story about managing diabetes on and off the court and learned basketball skills tailored to their skill level. Cooper credits the CCDC medical team, led by Medical Director Dr. Anita Swamy, for his ability to pursue an athletic career.

“When you consider the opportunities and challenges athletes will have, it's great to have the support of La Rabida Children's Hospital behind them,” says Cooper, who was treated at the CCDC in St. John location in Northwest Indiana near his hometown of Valparaiso. “I know, as a former patient, it meant the world to me, and I'm grateful for how Dr. Swamy and her team helped me. This camp is one way I want to show my gratitude and inspire the next generation.”

Cooper led the Bentley University team in scoring and was a First-Team All-Conference selection.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Cooper,” says Dr. Swamy. “He’s overcome many hurdles to achieve this level of athletic success while managing type 1 diabetes.”

La Rabida Chicago Children’s Diabetes Center has three locations: La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Homer Glen, and St. John, Indiana.

About La Rabida Chicago Children’s Diabetes Center

The La Rabida Chicago Children’s Diabetes Center (CCDC) is the first pediatric program to receive recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for its holistic approach. The CCDC is an award-winning program, staffed with Chicago’s premier pediatric diabetes providers. The team includes board-certified pediatric endocrinologists, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, registered dietitians, licensed social workers, child psychologists, and certified diabetes educators. With three locations in Chicago and Indiana, the program offers comprehensive evaluation and consultation, personalized nutritional counseling, child and family support, 24-hour emergency telephone consultation, and psychosocial services.

About La Rabida Children’s Hospital

La Rabida Children's Hospital is a freestanding pediatric hospital that has served children and their families in Chicagoland for 130 years. The hospital provides specialized care to all children, including those living with medically complex conditions, disabilities, chronic illnesses,

Media Contact: Jerrica Valtierra, Communications Specialist |

773.354.9560 | jvaltierra@larabida.org

and trauma, regardless of their ability to pay. La Rabida is committed to delivering best-in-class, family-centered care while advocating for the needs of vulnerable children in the Chicago community. Learn more at

www.larabida.org

Latest Stories






Latest Podcast

Home Purchases and Preservations