In honor of World Diabetes Day, former NBA star Ray Allen highlighted his 12-year old son Walker Allen, and Ray couldn’t be more proud.

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This is my son Walker! He has Type-1 diabetes. He was diagnosed at the age of 17 months. He is 12 years old now and living his best life. He is a singer, pianist and certainly loves sports. He definitely wants to follow in my footsteps. I will do everything in my power to make sure he creates bigger footsteps. Diabetes doesn’t stop him from doing anything. Whatever he sets his mind to do he will make sure he gets it done. All day long we are checking his blood sugar, making sure he isn’t too high or too low, including in the middle of the night. 2 am checks keep my wife and I always on our toes. Today is World Diabetes day and November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. I want you all to know that our Walker is a #T1Dchampion. If you or someone you know has diabetes, please give them a hug today and tell them you are proud of them, and join me in raising awareness and celebrating those who are thriving in the face of #T1D! Shout out to all my heroes living with Type-1! Visit https://www.jdrf.org/be-a-type-1-diabetes-champion/ #NDAM #myson #whatsyourtype1story #type1family #wearefamily #TeamAllen #WalkforWalker

A post shared by Ray Allen (@trayfour) on Nov 14, 2019 at 3:40am PST

Walker was just 17 months old when he became sick–very sick–during the 2008 NBA Finals. Ray’s wife Shannon took him to a hospital in Los Angeles for a blood test. Typically, a person’s blood sugar level is between 70 and 120. Walkers was 639. The doctor told Shannon that Walker’s blood sugar was literally poisoning him to death.

Thankfully, this was caught early.

Ray is always amazed by his son’s growth and active life. On Walker’s birthday, he shared his accomplishments with his followers.

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I’m proud to be this young man’s dad! This guy models, plays the piano, sings, plays hoops, football, soccer, pool, and ping pong! And above all of that, he is an awesome young man! He is a real warrior! Happy Birthday Walker! #mydude

A post shared by Ray Allen (@trayfour) on Dec 27, 2018 at 12:11pm PST

Ray married singer/actress Shannon Walker Williams on August 16, 2008, after having dated since 2004. They have four children together. Ray also has an older daughter from a previous relationship.

The Allens are true advocates for diabetes prevention. Ray and his wife also opened a organic food restaurant a few years back. Walker looks like he has some amazing parents.

Keep going, Walker! You’re awesome!