“Mommy, What Is Diabetes?” eases the stress of children going to the hospital for diabetes treatment by addressing the questions of a youngster.

Staten Island Author Irene Mallano is asking that you join her and her daughter, whose pen name is Madison, at the borough’s Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Walk on Sunday, Oct. 24, at the College of Staten Island, Willowbrook.

“It is a great way for people to express themselves and raise awareness,” said Ms. Mallano, who has been a member of the Staten Island Board of Realtors since the 1980s. “Walk-day is full of thousands of smiles and fun as local Islanders support the Juvenile Diabetes community. Not only do the walkers raise awareness and provide support, but the generous donations … help researchers find new discoveries to better many lives.”

To register for the fund-raiser, or to find out about additional ways to help, log onto www.jdrf.org.

‘Mommy, What Is Diabetes?’

Ms. Mallano’s recently published book, “Mommy, What Is Diabetes?” is an inspiring guide for families dealing with the disease.

The book was inspired by Irene’s daughter, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a very young age.

“The storyline is about a young girl going to the hospital,” explains Ms. Mallano. The book prepares parents and children for what they may expect at the medical facility.

“Mommy, What Is Diabetes?” provides answers to many questions asked by the youngster in the story, and includes a parents’ section with helpful tips.

The book is available online from a variety of major book retailers, as well as the author’s site: www.mommywhatisdiabetes.com.

Ms. Mallano and her daughter personally sign every book purchased from their Web site only.