Lebanese Nonprofit Spreads Awareness About Diabetes

Mclean Connection | Friday, September 7, 2018

Jackie Maalouf, Ph.D., traveled to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon to attend the Middle Eastern Food Festival and talk about the nonprofit she founded, which is in the process of being registered in the United States. Dr. Maalouf founded the organization DiaLeb with her daughter, Sylvie, after she was diagnosed with diabetes. “Sylvie got diagnosed at an unconventional age. She was 24 when she got diagnosed,” Dr. Maalouf said. “It was definitely a shock.”

Sylvie got diagnosed at an unconventional age. She was 24 when she got diagnosed,” Dr. Maalouf said. “It was definitely a shock.

DiaLeb spreads awareness of diabetes and helps support people who have been recently diagnosed through summer camps, support groups and educational sessions.

At the food festival, Dr. Maalouf sought to spread information to attendees about diabetes and DiaLeb, whether or not they were of Lebanese background.

“Diabetes does not recognize a nationality or a religion or anything,” Dr. Maalouf said. “I think overall it was very productive and positive for us, being here, and I think I would definitely do it another time.”

Photo by Carlyn Kranking/The Connection