The Ray

Ray moved to New York City as a teenager from South Carolina. She loves playing bingo and cards and watching TV. Ray has one daughter and one grandson who live near her in Brooklyn. When Ray was around 30 years old she lost her eyesight - she said it was a very scary time. That’s when she discovered she had diabetes. Her vision came back after a month, but when she returned home she had to learn to follow a strict diet and take medication.

Eight years ago, Ray joined JASA’s Chronic Disease Management program. She participated in trainings about how to manage chronic diseases like diabetes and arthritis and how to be a community leader. Ray says these workshops helped her learn how to manage her diabetes better.

Since then Ray has been helping her fellow seniors with chronic diseases in many ways. She leads health workshops, and has educated more than 150 of her peers. Ray runs blood pressure monitoring programs and walking programs. She visits other seniors in their homes to make meal plans, help them remember to take their medications, provide information on healthy eating and benefits of a whole foods plant-based diet. Ray says it makes her feel good to help people learn how they can manage their illnesses and live a full life.

JASA’s Chronic Disease Management peer-to-peer program trains individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, pain and other chronic conditions to manage their own illnesses and teach these skills to their peers in the community. JASA provides evidence-based group programs as well as one-on-one coaching to empower older adults to proactively participate in their own health and healthcare.

These earrings are handmade with love and care by JASA seniors. Treat yourself today and support older New Yorkers!