Living with Crohn’s disease is not easy. However, David Spellman lives his life with one motto: Never give up. This weekend, he will bring his motto and his tennis game to the US Open National Playoffs.
Spellman, 43, of Melville, N.Y., has suffered from Crohn’s disease since age 8. By competing in the USTA Eastern Sectional Qualifying Tournament of the US Open National Playoffs, he hopes to set an example for children who might get discouraged because of their disease, all while competing for his charity. The Eastern sectional qualifier will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y., April 18-24.
The winners of the 16 sectional qualifiers held nationwide advance to the US Open National Playoffs – Men’s and Women’s Championships, which will be held this summer at the same venue as an Olympus US Open Series event (Atlanta for the men, Stanford, Calif., for the women). A victory there earns a wild card into the 2010 US Open Qualifying Tournament, held Aug. 24-27 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
In 1975, Spellman was diagnosed with Crohn’s, a disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. At the beginning of the diagnosis, he reacted fine to medication. But after four years, Spellman became very ill, and his parents, Susan and Dick, were inspired to create an organization for children and their families who were afflicted with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – Reach Out for Youth.
Through the ups and downs of many surgeries, Spellman has accepted his disease and has proved that anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of any obstacles. He remains active in Reach Out for Youth and raises money for the organization through the sports he loves–ice hockey, which he played in college, and tennis.
“I don’t let my disease take over my life,” Spellman says. “You have to keep living each day and doing the things you enjoy, tennis being one of them.”
Spellman recently returned to playing tennis in the USTA 40-and-over Division and is currently ranked No. 3 in the USTA Eastern Men’s 40s. With his tennis game and his health back on track, the US Open National Playoffs provide Spellman with the opportunity to further his game and his efforts in Reach Out for Youth.
“I raised over $14,000 taking part in a hockey event, so I hope to raise quite a bit for this, too,” Spellman says. “I think this tournament is such a great opportunity for me to use my game to help my organization.”
Spellman looks forward to his first match in what he hopes will be his first step to the US Open. He also knows that he will never give up after any shot he takes–just like he does in his life.
More information on Reach Out for Youth can be found at www.reachoutforyouth.org.