I grew up in Detroit, Michigan. At the tender age of 12, I was diagnosed with diabetes. I was so young, and SO foolish…I defied my doctor’s orders and refused to adjust my diet or take my insulin when necessary. My doctor warned me that the way I took care of myself as a teen would determine my quality of life as an adult. While attending Mumford High School and obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Wayne State University, I continued to rebel and ignored his sage advice. As a result, I have experienced many complications of diabetes, including having to undergo dialysis, requiring multiple organ transplants, two heart attacks, needing several amputations and enduring a loss of vision that evolved into complete and total blindness.

Despite all of these complications, I never once lost my faith in God. I am the only survivor out of nine participants from the experimental dual transplant, and though my sight was taken I was blessed with a vision. Because of my experiences, I am a better person and I am able to give a testimonial to people of all ages on how important it REALLY is to eat a well balanced diet, exercise, and follow the guidelines their physician has provided to the letter.

In 2001, I embarked on an exhaustive search for just the right combination of organic herbs, vitamins and pure essential oils needed to relieve my own symptoms of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, pain and poor circulation. With an herbalist and RN I created T.K.O. Pain Relief, which I’ve been blessed to share with many others who have had tremendous success at relieving their pain naturally and avoiding prescription medications.

All along my journey I felt I was allowed to survive for some higher purpose, and I have finally brought that purpose to fruition by writing my first children’s book, The Adventures of Little LeeLee and Sir Tickle the Friendly Pickle. Based on my experiences as a child, Little LeeLee follows the story of a young girl as she is diagnosed with diabetes and how she uses her imagination to cope with her new, different life. At the close of the book, LeeLee is faced with a decision: will she wind up like me, or will she work hard to take care of herself so she can be the most healthy adult she can be?

It is my hope that my book finds its way into the hands of every child who is diagnosed with diabetes, and that they learn from my experience and don’t make the same mistakes I did. Even if it gives one child pause and changes their life, all I endured will be worthwhile.