Diabetes Dad
Tom Karlya has been active in diabetes causes since his daughter, Kaitlyn, was diagnosed in 1992 at the age of two. His son Rob was also diagnosed in March of 2009 at the age of thirteen. Tom has lectured across the country and chaired many panels about being a Diabetes Dad, his pen name used virtually everywhere. Over the years 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.
As a diabetes advocate, 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.
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 dLifeTV), Sandra Oh, Patti LaBelle, Peter Boyle, Brett Michaels, and Jim Turner. Tom was awarded the prestigious Jeff Hitchcock Distinguish Service Award from The Children with Diabetes in 2008, Man of the Year by The LI Advertising Club, and Diabetes Advocate of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. As Producer of dLifeTV he was nominated for an Emmy Award, awarded 13 Telly (former Cable Ace) Awards, 4 nominations and a win for The Best in Medical Media; The FREDDIE Award. He also received numerous commendations, including congratulations from the president of the United States for his work in the Katrina efforts where he was instrumental in organizing relief efforts to over 10,000 people with diabetes. He was the recipient of The George Estabrook Award from his Alma Mater of Hofstra University for his work in diabetes and television.
As an actor, 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, and his film, lbs., was seen at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. 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.
Tom is presently the Vice President of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation in Florida. He resides on Long Island.
Some Thoughts
The Diabetes Dad takes on Hollywood, pharmaceutical companies, and Bret Michaels.
The 2010 Lisa Awards
Heroes who exemplify The Power of One.
It's a War
The story of two brave heroes in the fight against diabetes.
Good Riddance to You, 2009
We're not sad to see you go.
Diabetes Diplomats
Choosing the best place for your advocacy time and effort.
Children With Diabetes
They’re all so different, but they have one thing in common: they are children with diabetes.
The Power of One
When someone leaves behind a legacy of love, you learn the power of one person.
The Second Shelf
My son, diagnosed with diabetes, was not the first.
An Evening of Dreams
There is no better time to find a cure for diabetes.
Diabetes Organizations Need Your Help
What you can do in these tough times.
"Goodbye, 2008"
We did so much for diabetes in 2008, but there is still work to do.
Staying Involved
The diabetes cause still needs our attention – and we still have to work hard.
Best Friend
A sibling with diabetes and the loss of a furry friend.
Dear Senators
Unless someone changes the tide, I’ll always be a diabetes dad.
Friends For Life
A magical night for our own diabetes dad.
It’s Not Your Diabetes
A child taking responsibility for their disease early in life can make a huge difference.
Seems Like Just Yesterday
A diabetes dad realizes just how far his baby has come.
My Wish List
The birthday wishes of a diabetes dad.
Happy Mother's Day, Dads
Do something special for her this year: Understand.
Why We Do What We Do
Working hard to keep our children safest.
An Open Letter to Bloggers
Learning to blog, and how to read blogs, responsibly.
Donate in the Know
When you become involved with a charity, do your homework.
A New Hope
Continuing to fight in the New Year with all the hope we can muster.
North Pole Delivery
A letter to Santa, from a diabetes dad.
Bigger Than Us All
To help is bigger than any single entity, company, foundation, or incident.
Who is the Milestone For?
Marking the fifteen year milestone, and looking towards a bright future.
School Daze
One diabetes dad readies himself for the change.
A World, United for Diabetes
United together, we can make all the difference.
Life with an Asterisk
School accomplishments accentuate a childhood challenged by diabetes.
Of Mice and Men
Diabetes research yet to keep its promises.
It’s Your dLife. Now It’s Your dLife Foundation
Charity joins forces with others for common goal.
In the Name of Research
One trial prompts another for one brave girl and her family.
Changing the World Starts with One
If you want to see things happen, you have to do something.
Same Goal, Different Year
Despite diabetes successes, the search for a cure continues.
Don’t Do Nothing…Tomorrow May Be Too Late
Decide today how you will take control in the diabetes struggle.
Wanted: Diabetes Symbol and Celebrity Ambassador
Unifying icon could help raise money and awareness.
People Make Us Strong
When people work together, good can outweigh the bad of diabetes.
United We Stand a Chance
Multitude of diabetes organizations must join forces to stamp out diabetes.
Reflections on Father’s Day
Dads can’t solve all the problems for their children with diabetes, but they can try.
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.
