As a member of the Binghamton City Council and a longtime community leader in New York State, I have seen firsthand how deeply diabetes and obesity impact our community. It is not just about physical health—it is about dignity, confidence, and the daily battles people fight to feel good in their own skin.

For far too many, these chronic diseases mean rising healthcare costs, time away from work or family, and a loss of mobility or independence. I know women in my district who struggle to keep up with their kids, who are afraid to be seen in photos, or who feel like they do not belong in spaces where “wellness” is celebrated. And I will be honest—I have felt that way, too.

As a proud woman of color, a single mom raising two daughters—one a teenager—I know how relentless societal stand

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