Letter from David Garrard

Thank you for visiting my foundation website. I'm glad you're here. I launched the David Garrard Foundation when I first entered the NFL as a way to give back to communities that have blessed me over the years. We strive to provide local youth with encouragement and motivation to adapt to a healthy lifestyle. We believe that an active, healthy child will be set on the right path for lifelong success. To that end, we provide community support through sports camps, workshops and nutritional education. We also promote the awareness, education and research of Breast Cancer and Crohn's Disease. Both issues have had a profound impact on my life. My mother passed away from breast cancer when I was 14 years old. During her battle with breast cancer, it made me more conscientious about my health and the health of my family. My mother always talked about her illness and encouraged us to take care of ourselves. She helped prepare us for her death through communication. Today, more than ever before, I am fiercely committed to my faith, family and health. Crohn's and Colitis is a potentially devastating disease which impacts more than 1.2 million Americans, yet few have ever heard of the disease. I learned about the effects first hand when I was diagnosed with the disease in 2004. My foundation will assist in the continual education and research to hopefully find a cure. I appreciate your support of the David Garrard Foundation and hope to see you at one of our events.

Sincerely,
David Garrard