Mary Tyler Moore, a revered entertainment figure, faced public and private challenges. Beyond her iconic TV roles, she courageously battled type 1 diabetes, becoming a vocal advocate for awareness and research.

Mary’s diabetes journey began at 33, reshaping her life. Despite health complications, she dedicated over three decades to raising diabetes awareness, earning accolades such as the JDRF’s Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Her mother, Marjorie Hackett, struggled with alcoholism, impacting Mary’s upbringing. Open about this in her memoir, “After All,” Moore aimed to destigmatize addiction, becoming an advocate for recovery and support.

Moore’s only child, Ritchie, battled addiction and mental health issues, leading to a heartbreaking accidental death at 24. This loss fueled Moore’s ongoing commitment to mental health awareness and support.

Diabetic retinopathy caused significant eyesight challenges for Moore. Despite surgeries and adaptations, she continued her career, using her platform to educate the public about diabetes-related complications.

Mary Tyler Moore passed away in 2017 at 80, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and advocacy. Her death, marked by pneumonia complications, saddened many, but her impact on diabetes awareness and health advocacy endures.