
Nina has battled diabetes for over 33 years, and in 2023 she received an unexpected diagnosis of diabetic retinal disease (DRD). Determined to face this challenge head-on, she moved closer to family to build a strong support network for managing appointments, laser treatments, surgeries, and more. Although she knew DRD was a potential complication, she never imagined it would affect her personally. Now, Nina is stepping into advocacy—having even spoken with a member of Congress about boosting diabetes research funding—and is ready to share her powerful story.