Diego and Ginna Gutierrez

Hi, my name is Diego Gutierrez from Bogotá Colombia in South America, I am now living the American dream playing for Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire as a the midfielder. My life now is a stark difference from the first 17 years from my life where I saw poverty first hand everyday living in Colombia. When my wife Ginna and I learned about the devastating effects malaria has, especially on children, we were compelled to action and teamed up with Nothing But Nets™ and Malaria No More to spread the word and do all we can to encourage others to act. The fact that this terrible disease is preventable and treatable is something we found astonishing – that there are children out there dying, every thirty seconds because they don't have a simple bed net over their heads. As a soccer player, nets play an essential role in my life too, but it does not mean life-or death.

My family and I have teamed up with our close friend Keely Solimene to create a Netraiser team, Diego to encourage fans and people of all ages to join in the fight against malaria. Our team will also be hosting an American Idol watch party in the Chicagoland area, encouraging people to vote and donate to Nothing But Nets™ during its "Idol Gives Back" two night special. This is just the start of our commitment to Nothing But Nets™! Take a moment and donate to team Diego now – remember the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are matching your donation dollar for dollar, net for net right now. That's like getting two nets for one – so be generous!!

Diego was recognized by MLS Commissioner Don Garber with the 2008 Commissioner's Award for his work on and off the field. See the tribute video below.