Since the Luther: Never Too Much documentary continues to air on CNN, I’ve decided to share my journey of how I transitioned from being a celebrity assistant to becoming a passionate advocate for diabetes awareness. My goal has always been to help encourage women (and their loved ones) at risk, affected by, and living with diabetes to thrive. Tales Of A Dazzling Diabetes Advocate Part 1 No one was more surprised than I was when I became a diabetes advocate. However, after witnessing my boss, Luther Vandross, suffer a devastating stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, I felt compelled to take action. I wanted to raise awareness and help others avoid a similar health crisis. Patti LaBelle inspired me to coin the phrase “Divabetic” during her performance at a Luther tribute concert at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. That night, I quickly came up with the tagline, “Sugar’s the Bitch. Not Me.” The next day, I showed the term “Divabetic” to Luther’s niece, Seveda, who loved it and encouraged me to continue. If Seveda hadn’t liked it, I might not have pursued this path, but with her support, I enlisted Luther’s longtime art director, George Corsillo, to design my first Divabetic t-shirt. Armed with a bag of Divabetic t-shirts, I dove headfirst into diabetes advocacy. My first event was organized by my sister-in-law, Laura, during a diabetes outreach event in Columbia, SC. Coincidentally, my older brother, Bob, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes around the same time that Luther suffered his stroke. Watching two of the strongest men I know cope with a chronic condition deeply resonated with me and fueled my determination. Although I don’t recall anyone expressing much interest in what I was doing, that didn’t stop me. I started selling Divabetic (and Dude-A-Betic) t-shirts at NYC street fairs and health events. (fb)

One of my favorite Divabetic mystery podcasts was set in Coney Island and involved my lifelong dislike of peas! Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, a gypsy fortune teller, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic overcome his green pea phobia in time to prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea? Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his nosey Italian mother and friends. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.: (fb)