Author Safiyah Basir’s free First Anniversary Book Launch is being held at CultureVerse art and performance gallery at 309 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 across the street from the Blue Llama Jazz Club and Restaurant on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The book launch is free and advance registration is required at EventBrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diabetes-diversity-one-year-of-stories-strength-and-screening-tickets-1660432882449.

The purpose of this event is to introduce author Safiyah Basir’s two new books to parents and children to learn about Type 1 Diabetes and how to manage it, and it’s sponsored by Blue Llama Jazz Club and Restaurant and Multiverse Investment Gallery. The program includes the author Safiyah Basir telling the stories behind her two books, book reading, storytelling, activities for kids, and reading affirmation cards, Contests, Giveaways, Healthy Snacks & Beverages, Type 1 Diabetes Screenings and artwork by Type 1 Diabetes Artists.

The first book is “ I Will Take Care Of My Diabetes And I Can” which is about a spirited lovely seven-year-old heroine named Safi adorned with dark, curly locks who embarks on a whimsical journey through the realms of self-discovery, resolute determination, and empowering adventures. This is all while she navigates the world with Type 1 diabetes set In the enchanting town of Ann Arbor welcoming everyone to a world where challenges are but stepping stones to becoming one's own hero. And the second book, the “ABCs For Diabetes” continues where Safi shares her learning about diabetes which is as easy as A, B, C! In this book, Safi leads the way as she embarks on a journey to illuminate understanding diabetes for all, empowering them with knowledge and fostering a positive outlook towards managing their health, and understanding diabetes even if they are not diabetic.
“When I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 7 years-old, I remember searching for books that could help me understand what was happening to me. I didn’t find anything uplifting, and I certainly didn’t see anyone in those pages who looked like me. That left a void I never forgot, and I knew one day I wanted to change that for the next child or person who was newly diagnosed and searching for hope. That’s why I created these books, with Safi and her friends showing that diabetes doesn’t take away your joy or your dreams. Safi learns that she can care for herself, lean on the people who love her, and remind herself with affirmations that she is strong, capable, and never alone. My hope is that every child who opens these books feels seen and supported, but also inspired to add to their own future, to keep dreaming, building, and believing that their diagnosis is just one part of who they are, not the limit of what they can become,” said author Safiyah Basir.

Safiyah is a health & wellness advocate, a diabetes educator and an author since 2024 and has written I Will Take Care of My Diabetes and I Can and ABCs for Diabetes; two children’s books designed to help kids grasp what it means to live well with diabetes in a way that’s engaging and empowering.

She is currently working on her third book, continuing her mission to expand the resources available to young readers and their families. Too often, children’s books that reflect the diversity, resilience, and strength of kids managing diabetes are missing from bookstores and library shelves, and she is committed to changing that situation.

Beyond her books, she wears many hats in the local and national diabetes community; she is an American Diabetes Association Ambassador, and an advocate with the Kyler Cares Foundation actively working with Breakthrough T1D, and she volunteers at children’s diabetes camps to inspire and support the next generation. As a certified health and well-being coach with the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, she helps people make lasting lifestyle changes to improve their health.

Ms. Basir is continuing her studies at Eastern Michigan University to become a physician assistant, specializing in endocrinology, so she can continue advocating for and educating those impacted by diabetes on a clinical level. She also had the privilege of being the featured speaker at Wayne Pediatrics’ World Diabetes Day celebration in Detroit on November 9, 2024. This event was dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes screening and prevention, emphasizing the DETECT, DELAY, and PREVENT DKA initiative. She had the honor of participating in the Michigan Slipstream Weekend April 2024, an immersive retreat for adults with Type 1 diabetes, hosted by Connected in Motion and Diabetes Solutions. Ms. Basir said: “The Michigan Slipstream Weekend was a powerful reminder that we are never alone in this journey…and we support each other in leading active, full lives—proving that diabetes doesn’t have to limit us.” Proudly she was invited to speak at the Slipstream event again on April 25, 2025. She can be reached at LovingDiabetic@gmail.com.

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