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About

Diabetic Rockstar Inc is a non-profit that incorporated in the State of New York in 2008. The organization's main website, www.diabeticrockstar.com, is a free social-network connecting people affected by diabetes. The social network has members representing all 50 US states and over 30 countries worldwide. The website allows members to interact with one another in a similar manner to larger user networks Myspace and Facebook, but with additional unique content focused on diabetes. ^[1]

Creation

Diabetic Rockstar was established as a blog by Christopher Thomas in 2007 ^[2]. Following a World Diabetes Day (November 14, 2007) meeting with prolific members of the Diabetes Online Community (DOC), Thomas permanently changed the domain to the present day social network format. Membership grew exponentially after press coverage from About.com ^[3], Observer & Eccentric Newspapers, Reader's Digest ^[4] and various viral postings.

Brand

Diabetic Rockstar has successfully branded itself as an alternative to generic online communities. The social network motto is "Diabetes isn't a death sentence. Stop with the excuses; start living, or start dying, the choice is yours" ^[5]. The organization operates a merchandise line that includes silicone bracelets, can coolers, flying disks, bumper stickers and temporary tattoos.

Offline Activity

Diabetic Rockstar has organized fundraising events in New York, Chicago, Detroit, Arizona and the Caribbean, aboard Carnival Cruise Line. An April 2008 event featured musical performances by Mere, a Hoboken-based band recently included on the USA Olympic Team Soundtrack ^[6], and Wiser Time, a nationwide act often seen touring with Pete Cornell.

In 2009 the organization held their largest concert-fundraiser in New York City. The event was headlined by nationwide touring acts Running Still, The Bloodsugars and Sean Austin.

Non-Profit Status and Programs

After its 2008 incorporation, Diabetic Rockstar Inc began developing several unique programs, most of which focused on helping uninsured, newly diagnosed and financially struggling diabetics. Programs include Fight It! ^[7], which distributes medical supplies and sponsorships; Mentoring, which matches newly diagnosed diabetics with veterans of the disease; and YoungStars, which aims to inspire and motivate young diabetic children to lead productive lives. In 2011 Diabetic Rockstar Inc will begin a sponsorship program in an effort to help diabetic children afford attendance to diabetes camps.

Management

Diabetic Rockstar Inc is operated by a five person board of directors. The directors serve a minimum of one-year terms. Founder Christopher Thomas retains the title of president.

Rockstar Books

In 2010, Diabetic Rockstar Inc established Rockstar Books & Productions ^[8], a publishing company releasing books and educational materials specifically aimed at people affected by diabetes. The first release is "So, You Wanna Be a Rockstar? A Story of How Diabetes Saved My Life" by founder Christopher Thomas. The book is a first-person account of the development of Diabetic Rockstar. Subsequent titles scheduled for production include a diabetes-inspired humor collection, "Diabetes is a Funny Word", and an educational calendar.

References

External links

http://www.diabeticrockstar.com
http://www.diabeticyoungstars.com
http://www.fight-it.org