Aunt "Glo" was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but she was too ashamed to tell anyone. She didn’t fit the stereotype for the disease — she was “100 pounds soaking wet” — or live in a place where prevention was talked about, taught, or even presented as an option.

Despite having no real opportunity to learn, Glo wanted more. So she turned to the only tool she had: a dictionary.

Page by page, she taught herself what she had never been taught — a reminder that people want to improve their health; they just don’t have access to the information, support, or programs that make change possible.

That truth is the heartbeat of the Skinny Gene Project.

Today, we work to ensure no one’s future is defined by shame, stereotypes, or zip code. We help people at risk stop type 2 diabetes before it starts — especially in communities that are under-resourced, overlooked, or left behind.

Our year-long, CDC-recognized lifestyle change program empowers participants to change the behaviors that lead to chronic disease, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than 50%. It costs just $500 to support someone through the full program — a small investment that can save thousands in future medical expenses and change the trajectory of an entire family.

What began with Glo and a dictionary has grown into a statewide movement — bringing prevention, dignity, and hope to families across California.

Your support helps change what’s accessible — rewrite the story for those who need it most.

Help us reach our goal — every dollar brings prevention to families who’ve never been offered it.

What Your Gift Makes Possible:
• $500 supports one person through the entire year-long intervention
• $250 supports six months of the year-long intervention
• $100 helps provide culturally tailored resources
• $50 helps us reach families living in high-risk zip codes

If Glo’s story moved you, please consider sharing this page with friends and family.
Awareness creates access — and your voice helps someone else rewrite their story.

A New Story Starts Here

By Skinny Gene Project

A New Story Starts Here

Before Skinny Gene existed, there was Glo — and a dictionary.

Team Members