Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association

06/04/2026

The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association Faces of Diabetes Fashion Show is coming up on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Spikes Ford in Mission. We are proud to honor courageous and inspiring individuals in our community who are living with diabetes and sharing their journeys to help bring awareness and hope to others.
David Norec has lost a brother and 2 sisters to complications of diabetes. Every member of my family, including himself, is diabetic. He has watched his siblings undergo amputations and blindness because of diabetes. After the loss of his siblings, he was inspired to write an interactive children’s book that teaches kids about healthy eating and exercise. This book, The Adventures of Exo and Cy, has been featured on the Dr. Phil Primetime Show, in Texas Monthly, and it was the first ever non-food product to be selected as a finalist for the HEB Quest for Texas Best competition. Now, through interactive school visits and innovative Trail Tales Parks, he has fought diabetes tirelessly in the Rio Grande Valley. Although it may be too late for his brother and sisters, it is not too late to save the next generation from this unapologetic disease.

06/03/2026

The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association Faces of Diabetes Fashion Show is coming up on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Spikes Ford in Mission. We are proud to honor courageous and inspiring individuals in our community who are living with diabetes and sharing their journeys to help bring awareness and hope to others.
Vanessa Garcia was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes seven years ago, and at the time, she felt like her whole world collapsed. Unfortunately, she was one of the youngest in her family to inherit the disease, and accepting the diagnosis was extremely difficult for her.
At one point, Vanessa’s sugar levels became so high that she almost fell into a diabetic coma. Thankfully, she made it to her doctor in time, and treatment began immediately. Her journey has not been easy. Her body rejected almost everything, and eventually she had to see a specialist to find the right treatment plan.
Before being diagnosed, Vanessa became very sick. She could barely eat, felt extremely weak and fragile, and her body rejected nearly everything. Her family feared the worst because no doctor in the ER could figure out what was happening. Life became a roller coaster.
Adjusting to a healthier lifestyle and leaving behind old habits became one of the biggest challenges of her life. Emotionally, it was also very difficult. There were times when she felt depressed and overwhelmed without understanding why. Through research, Vanessa learned that diabetes can also affect emotions and cause major mood swings.
There was even a time when her A1C became so high that her doctor had to put her on insulin, but her body continued to struggle with it as well.
This year, Vanessa decided to make changes so she could feel better and regain control of her health. Since she has always been a huge chocolate lover — and everyone knows how difficult that can be with diabetes — she started baking and selling flourless protein brownies as a healthier alternative.
Today, Vanessa is grateful for the love and support of her family and friends throughout her journey. They have truly been her biggest supporters. She also wants to thank the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association for everything they do to bring awareness to the community, and Mrs. Debi Chavez for giving her the opportunity to participate in this fashion show.

06/02/2026

JUNE is here! Save our calendar and come in and check out our FREE classes.

06/02/2026

The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association Faces of Diabetes Fashion Show is coming up on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Spikes Ford in Mission. We are proud to honor courageous and inspiring individuals in our community who are living with diabetes and sharing their journeys to help bring awareness and hope to others.
Flower Guerrero a 25 year background in international media, marketing, and entertainment, she has worked across film productions, branded campaigns, and live events where fashion and storytelling intersect. A proud champion of plus-size fashion and inclusive representation, Flower uses her platform to celebrate style for every body while supporting community events that inspire creativity, confidence, and culture.
You can see her work on Colair's YouTube Channel or rent the film she worked on, "Say A Little Prayer," digitally from your couch. Say A Little Prayer, is a romantic comedy featuring Luis Fonsi and Angélica Maria, with Executive Producer Edward James Olmos filmed in San Antonio, TX.
"Diabetes has closely affected my family, from my relatives to my mom."Flower said. "Watching Mom inject insulin and check her sugar was normal for me. For as long as I can remember, I've been Pre-Diabetic. I thought I could avoid it by cutting sugar for a short period. That was not the case. In 2020, right before the Pandemic, I lost my mom to lung cancer, and I firmly believe her Stage 5 Diagnosis was the most difficult to fight due to her diabetes. Following my recent Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, I immediately correlated it to Cancer. It's extreme, I know, but having lived through caring for my mom during her Cancer battle, I knew I had to stop this cycle myself.
I'm enrolled in Twin Health and we are already seeing an improvement in my A1C levels through nutrition and exercise. I've decided to use my voice and to help raise awareness for health, wellness, and community support across the Rio Grande Valley."
When she's not supporting the Arts through sponsorship or advocacy, Flower enjoys spending time with her two teenage daughters and her new spouse.

06/01/2026

The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association Faces of Diabetes Fashion Show is coming up on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Spikes Ford in Mission. We are proud to honor courageous and inspiring individuals in our community who are living with diabetes and sharing their journeys to help bring awareness and hope to others.
My name is Monica Garcia, and I have been living with Type 1 diabetes since I was 3 days old. I do not know a life without diabetes. Growing up, I experienced many moments that made me feel different, from having to leave class to check my blood sugar, to eating after everyone else during school parties, or trying to explain to other kids why I had special meals or medical devices attached to me.
As a child, I could not always tell when my blood sugar was dangerously low, which made things like sports and physical activities scary for my family and school nurses. Looking back now, I understand why the adults around me were protective, but at the time it sometimes made me feel embarrassed or different from everyone else.
As I got older, I learned that living with diabetes is a constant balance of responsibility, awareness, and resilience. I spent years doing insulin injections before transitioning to an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor. At first, I felt self-conscious wearing devices like my Omnipod and Dexcom because they made my diabetes more visible. Over time, I realized those devices are not something to hide. They are part of my story and part of what keeps me healthy.
One of the biggest lessons diabetes has taught me is that people living with invisible disabilities are everywhere, even when others cannot immediately see it. Although there have been challenges, fears, and moments of frustration throughout my journey, I have never allowed diabetes to stop me from pursuing my education, career, relationships, or opportunities that I am passionate about.
To me, diabetes is like wearing your pancreas outside of your body. It requires constant attention, but it has also taught me strength, adaptability, and compassion. Today, I continue to share my journey openly in hopes of helping others feel seen, understood, and less alone in theirs.

05/28/2026

RGVDA visited with Spikes Ford, and we are teaming up getting ready for the Faces of Diabetes Fashion Show that will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Spikes Ford in Mission.
We are excited to announce this year’s honorees, who will be sharing their inspiring stories and personal journeys with diabetes. Their strength, courage, and determination inspire us every day, and we are honored to recognize them at this special event dedicated to bringing awareness to diabetes in our community.
Honorees:
April Chapa
Monica Garcia
Flower Guerrero
George Garcia
Arlina Larson
Ector Casas
Lindsay Miller
Bobby Garcia
David Norec
Maria Garza
Vanessa Garcia
Patty Cantu
Kori Solis
Geetha Stockton
Jacob Garza

05/27/2026

We’ve added some new movement classes (ex: Disco Dance) to our class options, and WE NOW HAVE EVENING CLASSES! Take a look at the schedule, and please sign up to reserve your spot by clicking the link below! We look forward to helping you on your journey, whether it’s preventing diabetes or managing it.

https://forms.office.com/r/9VTfA5KBk8

05/27/2026

Moving to Music offers so many health benefits as we age. Check out our free line dancing and disco classes at RGVDA. More information call 956-318-1900. 

Medical professionals say that moving to music is a great way for older adults to stay healthier as they age. It doesn't matter what kind of dancing.

05/26/2026

RGVDA is honored to announce one of our Faces of Diabetes fashion show honorees. Our fashion show will be held on Saturday, June 27 at Spikes Ford in Mission. April Chapa has built a life defined by service, leadership, and unwavering resilience. As a Physician Business Manager for WellMed Optum in McAllen, she has dedicated her career to supporting the health and wellbeing of others. Outside of work, her heart for community shines just as brightly. April has volunteered for years and served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Junior League of McAllen, Boys & Girls Club of Mission, Rotary Club of Mission, Leadership Mission, and the Hidalgo–Starr County A&M Club, among many others.
In 2017, she was honored as the City of Mission’s Woman of the Year, a recognition that reflects her generosity, leadership, and commitment to lifting others. But behind her giving spirit is a woman who has been fighting a long and difficult medical battle.
April was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, though her doctors often remarked that her body behaved more like that of a Type 1 patient. Her journey has included:
• Multiple hospital stays
• Insulin pumps, injections, and oral medications
• A dramatic improvement in her A1c — from 13 down to 5, a testament to her discipline and determination; and
• Diabetic retinopathy requiring eye injections.
Despite every setback, April has remained hopeful, positive, and grounded in faith. Recently, April received the lifechanging diagnosis of Stage 5 End Stage Renal Disease. She has now been on dialysis for a year, fighting through exhaustion and uncertainty with the same strength she has shown her entire life.
To survive — and to reclaim the life she loves — April needs a kidney transplant and his hopeful that she will find a match to continue her journey.
April’s greatest joy comes from her family. She adores her sisters, her brother, and especially her nieces, Elena and Olivia, who bring light to even her hardest days. Her significant other, James, has been a steady, loving source of support throughout her journey.

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day from your friends at RGVDA.