Miss Black Tennessee Raises Diabetes Awareness

Filed in archive Notable on July 28, 2006

She's more than just beauty: she's got brains, and conviction, too.

Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 14, Kalilah Allen, recently crowned Miss Black Tennessee, revealed that her platform would be raising awareness of the disease.

"I was diagnosed with the disease at 14, which taught me a lot," said Allen, adding that she believes education will go a long way towards curbing the spread of the disease in the community.

"If we educate people about it they can protect themselves by eating better and catching the preventable cases. If they do get it we can teach them how to take care of themselves; and if they already have it we can help them understand that it's OK. It's so treatable now."

Congratulation to Kalilah, both for her recent victory and her contribution to such an important cause.

(Photo Source: Stage Jewelry)