I marvel at the proactive enthusiasm and extraordinary talent of Kamaal and Malcolm Washington. Kamaal, a type 1 diabetic himself, and his brother have developed comic books that tell the stories of children who learn they have diabetes and find themselves visited by Dr. Diabetes.

The comic book spreads awareness about the disease and empowers those who have it. Their comic books have received awards and taken them around the country to speak about diabetes. Kamaal has served as a Children's Congress delegate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, joining hundreds of other young diabetics in testifying before the U.S. Senate about diabetes research support. Going forward, Kamaal and Malcolm want to create their own animated series and perhaps produce a movie.

Kamaal and Malcolm are working on their third diabetes-themed comic. The comic book tells the story of a politician who refuses to increase funds to find a cure for diabetes and the heroes' quest to change that. Spreading awareness, empowering those dealing with the disease and calling upon political forces to make it happen - I think Kamaal and Malcolm are wise beyond their years. There's no stopping these guys and I'm thrilled to be the one telling you about them. May your super comic books empower us all to become super diabetic heroes!

Just as many people did when they were young, I enjoyed comic books when I was a kid. Batman, the Hulk, X-Men, and Captain America were among some of my favorites. I occasionally gave a go at drawing and writing some of my own, too. But, never did I think that these scribblings would amount to anything more than a full waste basket. And now, years later, I can say without any regret that they never did. The same can't be said for Kamaal and Malcolm Washington, a 12 and 11 year old team of brothers who fathered in their father's comic book writing footsteps and created a diabetes conscious superhero.

Fighting alongside their father's creation, Omega Man - who himself typically deals with social and moral responsibility, the brothers' Omega Boy is a crime fighter who also raises awareness about diabetes. The older of the two young comic book artists, Kamaal, was diagnosed with type 1 when he was 9 years old. He admits to at first feel scared and confused by the disease. But, showing great poise at such a young age, as well as an enormous amount of creativity, he decided to channel his energies into something; and that something turned out to be Omega Boy. With two comic books now on shelves, and another soon on its way, Kamaal and his brother have clearly found an audience, and it is one that undoubtedly appreciates their positive message.

Show them some support by visiting: http://www.omega7.com/html/DiabetesBook.html