Creating Community: Meet the DiabetesSisters Hosts Bringing Women Together
As we celebrate National Diabetes Month, we’re honored to shine a spotlight on the incredible DiabetesSisters volunteer hosts who dedicate their time and hearts to creating safe, supportive spaces for women with diabetes and those at risk. Through their commitment, our hosts provide a place where women can openly share their challenges, victories, worries, and concerns, knowing they’re not alone in their journey. By fostering these connections, our hosts empower and encourage women in their diabetes management, helping everyone feel more supported, informed, and motivated to live healthier, fuller lives. Let’s meet the inspiring women who make this community possible.
Shelby Kinnaird – Chesterfield, Virginia (Diagnosed in 1999)
Shelby became a DiabetesSisters volunteer host after connecting with the organization’s CEO at a diabetes advocacy event. She saw an opportunity to revive a local support group and help other women in her community.
Her advice to newly diagnosed individuals: “Educate yourself and become your own best advocate. Find a peer support group.”
Shelby turned a challenge into a passion by exploring new, healthy foods and sharing her discoveries through a diabetes food blog, which led her to publish three books.
She enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, and cheering on her Hokies in college sports and loves spending time with her grandkids.
Mary Lynn – Gurnee, Illinois (Diagnosed in 1997)
With a background in health coaching and literacy, Mary enjoys helping people manage their condition through DiabetesSisters.
Her advice to someone newly diagnosed: “It may seem overwhelming, but take it one meal at a time.”
Mary’s husband grows a garden, so she enjoys making and freezing homemade vegetable soups.
Katie Goot – Clifton Park, New York (Diagnosed in 1981)
Katie’s favorite snack is a yogurt parfait, combining low-carb Greek yogurt with berries and a touch of granola.
Inspired by her own positive support group experience, Katie wanted to offer similar support to others.
Her favorite activities include singing in her church band and volunteering.
Denise Scheffler – Warren, New Jersey (Diagnosed in 1974)
Denise loves pickleball and traveling with family and has embraced an organized approach to her health, something she struggled with in her younger years.
Denise is passionate about offering the support she didn’t have growing up with diabetes.
Her advice to someone that is newly diagnosed: “Take the time to learn how your body reacts daily and give yourself grace.”
CJ Walker – Glen Allen, Virginia (Diagnosed in 2019)
CJ became a DiabetesSisters volunteer host because “I had a desire to help other women on the same diabetes journey as me. This was my way of giving back to an organization that has given so much to me.”
She recommends tackling diabetes one step at a time and setting small, achievable goals.
CJ overcame her needle phobia and now confidently applies her own CGM sensors and performs finger sticks.
Her hobbies include writing, cooking, and crafting.
Jennifer Stanton – Jacksonville, Florida (Diagnosed in 2012)
Jennifer’s journey with diabetes transformed her from feeling overwhelmed to embracing a positive, resilient mindset. She now approaches each day as an opportunity for growth, showing kindness and forgiveness to herself, even on tough days.
After struggling to navigate life with diabetes, Jennifer found a supportive community in DiabetesSisters and now wants to offer that same space for others.
One thing she wishes more people understood about diabetes is: “That we need to constantly consider how everything we do will affect our blood sugar. We have to think about it and plan before eating, exercising, going to bed, going out with friends, going shopping, getting sick, being in coke weather, being in hot weather, feeling stressed, etc. It’s not easy, so it would be wonderful if there was more empathy and support.”
Anne Dalin – Hillsborough, New Jersey (Diagnosed in 1999)
She loves theater, movies, and recently started tap dancing, bringing a vibrant energy to her life and support efforts.
Anne values being a patient advocate and supporting others with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Her advice to someone newly diagnosed: “Become your own best advocate, learn as much as you can, and work with your doctors as a team.”
Alejandra Márquez – Greensboro, North Carolina (Diagnosed in 1992)
As a leader in the Hispanic Initiative, Alejandra encourages women to find support groups like DiabetesSisters.
Her strength in balancing diabetes while caring for her son with autism has made her incredibly resilient and mindful.
Alejandra hopes to take her son back to her home country of Venezuela one day to show him the beautiful beaches and reconnect with family and friends.
Alyssa Chapman – Des Moines, Iowa (Diagnosed in 2009)
Alyssa was deeply impacted by the support and connections she found through DiabetesSisters and decided to volunteer to help more women experience the same sense of community.
She enjoys hiking, playing pickleball, and spending time outdoors. Her favorite snacks include hummus with carrot chips and peanut butter with apples.
Her advice to someone newly diagnosed: “Managing diabetes does get easier. Be patient and kind to yourself, and try not to be a perfectionist.”
Alyssa is proud of how diabetes has motivated her to take better care of herself, making her more mindful of her physical and mental health.
Yolanda Smith – Henderson, North Carolina (Diagnosed in 2007)
Yolanda became a DiabetesSisters volunteer host to help others manage their diabetes more effectively.
Her advice to someone newly diagnosed: “Research and learn how the disease affects you personally.”
Yolanda is proud of bringing her A1C below 7, and she wishes more people understood that diabetes affects everyone differently, regardless of the type.
She enjoys decorating, organizing, walking, and kayaking and loves snacking on grapes with shredded cheese.
Lindsay Cohen – St. Louis, Missouri (Diagnosed in 1996)
Lindsay became a host to create a supportive space where women with diabetes can connect and learn from one another, drawing from her own experience of living with diabetes for nearly three decades.
Her advice to someone newly diagnosed: “There’s always more to learn. Having a growth mindset and being open to trying new things is a game changer.”
Navigating type 1 diabetes through two pregnancies was her greatest challenge, but it strengthened her resilience and gave her the confidence to manage her condition.
Marta Dospiva Legan – Dobbs Ferry, New York (Diagnosed in 1993)
Marta was inspired to become a host after participating in a meetup with Shelly and exploring the DiabetesSisters website.
Her advice to someone newly diagnosed: “Diabetes is a manageable condition that won’t hold you back from pursuing anything in life.”
She’s proud of maintaining her health and well-being and wants others to know that diabetes doesn’t limit one’s potential in relationships, career, or life pursuits.
Marta enjoys hiking, attending Barre3 classes, and kayaking, and her favorite healthy meals include vegetable chili and banana bread made with almond flour.
Trish Tirone – Ballston Lake, New York (Diagnosed in 2018)
Trish started volunteering when she saw the need arise. She enjoys beading, reading, and social lunches with friends.
She’s proud of the way she was able to adjust her diet to better manage her diabetes.
One thing that she wishes more people understood about diabetes is that it’s different for all of us. We all have different ways we need to eat, and it might be completely different than another person with diabetes.
Our inspiring hosts create supportive spaces for women managing diabetes, fostering community, empowerment, and connection. If you’re looking to connect with other women, gain valuable education, and feel more supported, join an upcoming meetup. If you feel inspired to help us expand this mission, submit a volunteer form to become a host or volunteer. Together, we can create more opportunities for connection and education.
