The Big O keynotes Indiana Minority Health Fair

In May of 1997, Oscar Robertson donated a kidney to his daughter Tia, who was suffering from kidney failure as a result of lupus. He was saluted as a "Father of the Year" by Oprah Winfrey and the story received extensive national media coverage. The Big O has since been a tireless advocate for organ donation and kidney disease prevention on behalf of the National Kidney Foundation, and has also served as honorary spokesperson for the NKF's biennial Transplant Games.

Thus it was only fitting that The Big O would be asked to deliver the keynote address at the July 19 opening of the Indiana State Department of Health’s 2007 Black & Minority Health Fair at the Indianapolis Convention Center, in conjunction with the annual Indiana Black Expo, an event in which he has frequently participated. He spoke about his work with the National Kidney Foundation, his experiences as an athlete, his childhood in Indianapolis, and the need for preventive health programs -- such as the State of Indiana's INshape -- which can help reduce obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and organ disease in both adults and children. He also stressed the importance of physical education as a core component of the K-12 curriculum in supporting wellness programs.

The Big O was introduced by Dr. Tim Taber, a leading nephrologist and transplant surgeon with Clarian Health Systems who serves as chairman of the Indiana chapter of the National Kidney Foundation.

Further information about Black Expo and the Minority Health Fair:

http://www.in.gov/isdh/programs/omh/bmhf/index.htm

http://www.in.gov/isdh/

http://www.in.gov/inshape/

http://www.indianablackexpo.com