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 people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes thrive.
Tales Of A 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. I was inspired by Patti LaBelle 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.
My parents also helped me at my first event in Columbia, SC. I remember my mother creating t-shirt displays using one of her accordion room dividers.
Although I don’t recall anyone expressing much interest in what I was doing, that didn’t stop me. Upon returning to New York City, I started selling Divabetic (and Dude-A-Betic) t-shirts at street fairs and health events. Luther’s niece, Seveda, joined me on many of these outings. Determined to succeed, I continued to immerse myself in diabetes advocacy and began my outreach efforts slowly.
Thank you to everyone who has joined me on my journey in diabetes advocacy diva style!
