complications of diabetes, I undertook a lot of research to make sure I could share the right information with my brother and nephew. What I realized was that even if you have diabetes, you can have a healthy lifestyle, and the quality of your life can be improved.”
But what Roeper did was to start somewhere she knew would make a difference: she started with herself.
“I had to look at myself as well. I began gathering cookbooks and other resources so we could change things up. Being proactive made the difference. I’m still in the learning process. I also learned that it is important not to be quiet about your diabetes—whenever you can share about it, it can make a difference.”
Just when she was starting the healing process, Roeper was dealt another blow. Her nephew, who wasn’t even out of his teenage years, was also diagnosed with diabetes.
“My nephew is 15, and being a person with diabetes has been hard for him, and he doesn’t always want to share. My brother is more open about it. But stress plays a major part in my brother’s life. Every time I come across really useful information on the American Diabetes Association website, I’m right there sharing it with both of them. I think constantly sharing with both of them really helps.”
“Now, the kind of busy lifestyle that I live doesn’t always help with consistent home-cooked meals, but I like to…
…stay active in my kitchen at every opportunity. Together with my inspiring daughter, I have fun cooking. The spirit of competition is alive in our kitchen; we see who can prepare the better-tasting, more interesting meal. My daughter is so supportive, as she eats very well and loves to exercise. I do find I get down on myself when I slip, but I realize that’s a continuous fight I may have. But I’ll get it eventually!”
“Now, on the plus side, when my brother has great energy and my nephew is doing well, I know that it’s a collective effort. Our family is closer because of it. It’s still a day-to-day process, but now we have the resources and know where to go for answers!”
Even though she doesn’t work with Salt N’ Pepa anymore, Roeper spoke out about how and why the split happened. During an interview on Fox Soul, Roper spoke to Claudia Jordan about her time with the group and how she felt playing background in the group for decades.
“Playing that role. That was the role. A DJ stands behind. Not all DJs. Some DJs are very outspoken. But I did what I was supposed to, what I was told to do, and I thought I did it very well,” Roper explained. She added, “I’m a team player. I know that there are different parts to the whole, and each part plays a role in making it what it is. Some people can take advantage of that. Because you’re not the one who’s outspoken, that’s power for them, a sign of weakness.”
Roper, who has produced many songs for the group, revealed that she believes power trips is what caused situations to play out the way they did. “When you don’t see someone that works, that does the same thing that you’re doing as an equal, and you treat them as such — I woke up to that. I woke up to that and said no more,” Roper explained.
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