Valerie June, a talented singer and songwriter from Tennessee, has a unique blend of gospel, country, blues, and soul music. Diagnosed with type 1.5 diabetes (LADA) in her late 20s, Valerie initially struggled with her health, which impacted her ability to work traditional jobs. However, this diagnosis pushed her to focus on her music career, leading to significant success. She started performing on street corners and small venues to make ends meet, eventually gaining recognition and support from fans through a Kickstarter campaign. This allowed her to produce her album 'Pushin’ Against A Stone' in 2013. Valerie's diabetes management improved with the use of an OmniPod insulin pump and a Dexcom CGM, helping her maintain better control over her blood sugar levels. She emphasizes the importance of staying active and always keeps orange juice on stage, a tip she learned from B.B. King, to manage potential lows during performances. Valerie continues to inspire others with her story and is working on new music projects, including a collaboration with Massive Attack and a new album set for release in 2016.