Baseball Legend Raises Awareness for Sensory Processing Disorder
Former Chicago White Sox baseball player, Paul Konerko, has designed a limited edition t-shirt that will help raise awareness of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) with proceeds going to STAR Institute for SPD (formerly know as SPD Foundation). Paul and wife Jennifer have experienced the affects of Sensory Processing Disorder through their son Nicolas who was diagnosed with SPD when he was 3 years old.
"As he was getting older he was definitely falling way back and I was noticing things with him where he would have these fierce breakdowns where I couldn't get him under control and he couldn't really communicate to me what he needed. He still did parallel play around other children when he should have been interacting with them," explains Jennifer Konerko. SPD is a neurological disorder that is estimated to affect 1 in 20 children who. For those with Sensory Processing Disorder, sensory information goes into the brain but does not get organized into appropriate responses. Those with SPD perceive and/or respond to sensory information differently than most other people. Unlike people who have impaired sight or hearing, those with Sensory Processing Disorder do detect the sensory information; however, the sensory information gets “mixed up” in their brain and therefore the responses are inappropriate in the context in which they find themselves.
The Konerkos were inspired to raise awareness for SPD by designing this elite t-shirt that is available for a limited time from July 18, 2016 through August 1, 2016.
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When Paul was designing this shirt, he wanted it to do three things.
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Bring awareness to SPD
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Honor Chicago
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Be unique, creative, and have a story to tell for everyone
The abstract t-shirt design titled "Chicago on My Mind" includes brain waves, representing SPD in the shape of the Chicago skyline reflecting off of the water as a tribute to a city that he loves so much. It’s printed in the 1983 White Sox colors, but also American flag colors since it's bring released in the month of our Independence Day.
The design also embodies meaning for each athlete. It takes heart (red) to disrupt the game and make noise (navy) on the field. Meaning that you have to play with passion to stand out and be great, which is an empowering way that SPD individuals and families learn to embrace life.
Proceeds from the t-shirts will go to STAR Institute for SPD's scholarship program to help families pay for treatment costs.
PAUL KONERKO
Paul is a former professional baseball player who played most of his career with the Chicago White Sox. Konerko helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series, the franchise’s first since 1917. From 2006 to 2014 he served as the White Sox team captain.