As a radio host for Sports Radio KJR in Seattle, Ian Furness has endless stories of pro athletes, teams and the impact of sports in the local community and region. Last Sunday at CenturyLink Field, though, provided perhaps the most special sports moment of his career. Furness’ son, Kiefer, a high school student who was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, met up with Seattle Sounders star forward and T1D advocate Jordan Morris.
“It has been a crazy, tumultuous and emotional few weeks for me, my family and I’ve had to lean on a lot of folks here as a part of that,” Furness said on his radio show on Monday.
Furness went on to tell the story of how Kiefer began to suddenly lose weight over the summer, which led to the diagnosis of his diabetes a few weeks ago. In a matter of moments, Kiefer went from a dual-sport varsity athlete to not knowing if he would be able to play sports ever again.
Through an opportunity from Seattle Children’s, the Furness family accepted an offer to attend Sunday’s Sounders match vs. San Jose and meet Morris. For 15 minutes, Morris met with Kiefer to hear his story and gave him his match-worn jersey. Even more, though, Morris gave him hope.
Morris meets with Kiefer following Sunday's match at CenturyLink Field | Mike Fiechtner
“Jordan Morris is a hero,” Furness said on his show, fighting back tears. “Kids shouldn’t have to go through this, but they should also have hope. Jordan Morris is proof positive. He is proof positive you can do whatever you want.”
Morris, now in his fourth season with his hometown Sounders, launched the Jordan Morris Foundation in 2017, which aims to ‘educate, inspire and support the lives of children with Type 1 Diabetes.’ After each match this season, both home and away, Morris meets up with a child battling T1D.
“This is why sports matter. This guy does it every game, win or lose,” Furness continued. “The inspiration and the impact that Jordan Morris has with this disease is absolutely remarkable.”
You can listen to Furness share the full story HERE.
