Despite inclement weather conditions postponing Saturday's match against Philadelphia Union, Sounders forward Jordan Morris remained dedicated to his mission in supporting those with Type 1 Diabetes.
Through his outreach program T1D Playmakers, Morris had the opportunity to meet a young Union fan after the delayed match was officially rescheduled to a later date.
“The dad and the daughter were super kind, really special,” said Morris. “And it's a special moment for me because these kids are inspiring to me as well.”
Morris, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 9 years old, spent 30 minutes talking to the fan and her father as a way to give back to individuals who are undergoing the same struggles he’s faced with the autoimmune disease.
“I know what they've been through and what they're going through,” said Morris. “I know as a kid growing up, how impactful it was for me to look at people living out their dreams with T1D so yeah, it was a really cool experience in Philly.”
The father of the young fan expressed his gratitude toward Morris after their interaction in a recent reddit post.
“She's going through a period of being ‘embarrassed’ about her condition and [Jordan] spent a while empathizing and validating her feelings while also telling her how important it is that she not feel that way,” he wrote. “[Jordan] also talked about how he manages the condition and encouraged her to chase her dreams, whatever they are now or evolve into being.”
“He was the nicest, most genuine guy.”
Through the Jordan Morris Foundation, and its overall mission to educate, inspire, and support children living with Type 1 diabetes, the Mercer Island native has implemented post-match meet and greets with a gifted signed jersey for young diabetic fans since 2017. What started as only regular season home matches has expanded to every away match as well.
“It's something I look forward to after every single game,” said Morris. “Win, lose, or draw, I think it puts things into perspective a little bit that sports are bigger than what's on the field and I'm grateful that I'm able to hopefully have an impact on these kids.”
T1D Playmakers isn’t the only philanthropic activation the Jordan Morris Foundation arranges for the diabetic community. Every summer, Morris and his foundation organize the JMO T1D Soccer Camp for youth players to participate in, all while providing a safe space for those with the condition.
“That's an awesome event,” said Morris. “150 young kids that are Type 1, come out and play together and interact and I think it's cool because a lot of times kids maybe go to school or they play on a soccer team or sports team where nobody has Type 1; but on this day, they're out there playing and when there's a break, all 150 kids go over and check their blood sugar and they just get to feel that sense of community with each other.”
Morris’ other charitable efforts include, but not limited to, school visits, community talks and the making of the JMO Fund at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Whether it be through fundraising, speeches and interviews, or outreach programs, Morris is devoted to advocating for young people who are undergoing a similar experience as him of living with Type 1 Diabetes.
“When I looked at people when I was growing up that were playing professional sports with Type 1, it gave me so much inspiration, but I was never able to talk with them or hear their story or ask them questions,” said Morris. “So for me, that was a big thing, just being a resource for these kids and hopefully providing some inspiration.”
For more information on the Jordan Morris Foundation, click HERE.
