Diabetes Dad

Tom Karlya has been active in diabetes causes since his daughter, Kaitlyn, was diagnosed in 1992 at the age of 2. He has lectured and chaired many panels about being a Diabetes Dad. He has been featured or quoted in numerous newspapers such as Newsday, USA Today, and The Los Angeles Times, to name a few. Tom has also been published in periodicals such as Newsday, Time, and Parents Guide Weekly.

Tom has been introduced to the New York State Capitol, testified in Washington, D.C., appeared at diabetes-related events at the United Nations and has served as a panelist or keynote speaker at numerous diabetes events.

For 12 years, he starred in the New York City Production of Tony 'N Tina's Wedding, working with the original NY Company and also at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C., in Summer of the 17th Doll. His new film, lbs., was seen at the Sundance Film Festival and will be released in 2008. Tom has also appeared in Unsolved Mysteries, Spin City, The Cosby Show, NYPD Blue, Law and Order, America's Most Wanted, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, and other shows as well as numerous commercials.

He has written and/or produced public service announcements for diabetes causes featuring celebrities such as Ray Romano, Sugar Ray Leonard, Doris Roberts, Nicole Johnson (Miss America 1999-co-host dLife TV), and Jim Turner. He was awarded Man of the Year by The Advertising Club, Diabetes Advocate of the Year by The Metropolitan New York Association of Diabetes Educators, and 4 Telly Awards for shows on dLifeTV. He has also received an Award from the Crystal Ball Committee of the Diabetes Research Institute and was the recipient of The George Estabrook Award from Hofstra University for his work in diabetes.

Tom left his position as Vice President of Development for dLife and an Executive Producer of dLifeTV in early April and is now the Development Director at St. Charles Hospital on Long Island. During his time at dLife he was part of the team that won many accolades including an Emmy Award nomination and 13 Telly Awards (former Cable Ace Awards). He resides on Long Island.

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Disclaimer
dLife's Daily Living columnists are not all medical experts, but everyday people living with diabetes and sharing their personal experiences. While their method of diabetes management may work for them, everyone is different. Please consult with your diabetes care team to find out what will work best for you.