Alabama Football: A personal look at Nick Saban’s real legacy
When asked about the experience, Meredith said, “The Nick’s Kids Foundation Luncheon was actually my first time getting to meet Coach Saban and Mrs. Terry! They were wonderful. It was completely overwhelming!”
"“I was able to attend because my daughter receives services from United Ability, a nonprofit that works with children and adults with disabilities. Caroline, my youngest child, has cerebral palsy. She doesn’t talk and she walks with a walker, so the therapies she receives at United Ability are crucial. Nick’s Kids donates money to the organization that helps make these services possible.”"
Here’s the rest of Meredith’s interview:
Q: What do you feel that you took away the most from both Terry and/or Coach Saban during that experience? How about what you’ve seen from them in the past or present in the media or on the football field?
A: “As a University of Alabama fan and alum (Class of 2005! Whoop!), it was terrific to see how Coach Saban and Mrs. Terry give back to the community. We saw this in 2011, following the tornado that devastated Tuscaloosa, as they led efforts to rebuild and lift spirits of those around them. The Sabans are truly leaders in our state, and not just on the football field. I loved watching them interact with everyone present, taking the time to talk to the children, giving them special love and attention.”
Q: How did you feel about Caroline being a part of the experience, especially seeing her waving to the camera at end the video that the Foundation used to promote the event?
A: “Oh, I’m thrilled! Caroline immediately recognized Coach Saban and threw her hands in the air to make the ‘touchdown’ sign. This is her way of saying ‘Roll Tide!’
She loved the cheerleaders, the elephant-shaped cookies, and the players who were present that took time to sign autographs and just flash her a sweet smile. Shout-outs to Bradley Bozeman, Da’Shawn Hand, Jalen Hurts, and (my personal favorite) Minkah Fitzpatrick. Those four really went over and above to make the children feel comfortable and special.
The only thing Caroline didn’t appreciate was Big AL. She liked him from a distance, but didn’t want the giant elephant anywhere near her! Haha.”
Q: The university and the Foundation have worked together but the Foundation belongs to the Saban family. Therefore, as an alumni of the University of Alabama, how important is it for the Foundation to be in the public scope? As strictly a citizen of the state of Alabama, is the importance the same or different?
A: “I think it’s extremely important for others to see the good work the Sabans do for the Tuscaloosa area and for the state of Alabama, in general. As an alum, it’s obviously close to my heart, but as a born-and-raised Alabamian, I feel just as strongly. Coach Saban is the most recognized person in our state, and I’m sure Mrs. Terry isn’t far behind. It’s always a good thing to see Alabama being recognized in the media for something positive, and the ways they serve others is something in which we should all take pride.”
Q: What does World Cerebral Palsy Day mean to you? What do you suggest people do who want to get involved but do not know how or are unfamiliar with CP but want to support the cause?
A: “World Cerebral Palsy Day is special to me because I see it as a day to teach others about my daughter’s diagnosis.
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability of childhood, with more diagnoses than childhood cancer or spina bifida (the second and third most common). It seems strange that with statistics like that, people really don’t know what CP is or how to respond to it. I want people to know that cerebral palsy is classified as an injury to the developing brain, from before birth to age three.
Caroline had a stroke in utero and was born via emergency c-section at 31 weeks gestational age. CP is also a ‘spectrum disorder’, meaning that some with the diagnosis may exhibit little to no obvious disability, while others are fully wheelchair confined.
CP does NOT mean that a person is ‘dumb’ or incapable of learning. Often, learning and speech disabilities are concurrent problems with CP, but cerebral palsy in and of itself does not cause learning issues. Many people with CP are extremely intelligent and do amazing things in life!
The most important thing I want people to learn about those with cerebral palsy is that they are people. Whether they have a mild or more severe diagnosis, all people with a disability just want to love and be loved. A smile, wave, or saying ‘Hello!’ goes a long way.
The show Speechless on ABC has done a lot to bring cerebral palsy and disability awareness to the general public. It’s a great show that sheds light on everyday situations families like mine really do face. The best part is that Speechless is a comedy, which says to me that even though a disability is the main focus of the show, it’s really okay to relax and laugh.
There are several YouTube videos and channels that do a great job explaining CP, like Charisse Hogan (CharisseLivingWithCerebralPalsy) and Zach Anner. Check them out!”
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Final Thoughts:
Football isn’t forever, but it’s a gateway for mentors to raise young men to become better people for the rest of their lives. It teaches them the discipline, commitment, toughness, effort, and pride that they will need to make themselves a great future.
The Saban family, for generations, has committed themselves to helping young people through that process, whether on the gridiron as football players or the real gridiron of life. Meredith and Caroline, as well as thousands of others, are very appreciative of the pride that the Saban family projects into them.
That kind of care and support is a legacy that Coach Saban and his family will always be remembered for, no matter what happens to Alabama football.
Happy World Cerebral Palsy Day, everyone! Remember to wear green today and Crimson Tide red tomorrow!