Dr. Sharon Allison-Ottey, who grew up in Kannapolis, is introducing a line of greeting cards that have a little extra something, "a moment of health and wellness" on the back.
This type of greeting card follows the doctor's life mission, which is to provide valuable health information in a manner that positively affects lives.
"No one wants to be bored to death by a doctor," Allison-Ottey said.
Her goal is to use greeting cards to provide health information, encouragement and uplifting messages.
The cards are meant to be inspiring and informative, but they also support the mission of healthy living. Ten percent of the proceeds go to the Avon Foundation for Women, which works to improve the lives of women through its efforts to fight breast cancer and end domestic violence.
There are two cards in the line that are specifically geared toward women and women's issues.
The first card reads, "One is not born a woman, but becomes one," and has breast health information on the back. The other has a message "Take a step" and resources for victims of domestic violence on the back of the card.
"I have received six e-mails saying 'thanks so much,' and 'this helped me begin the conversation,'" Allison-Ottey said.
Her cards premiered nationwide at Southern Charm.
"The cards are unique. There like nothing you've seen before," said Ronald Reynolds, the owner of Southern Charm. "They are very well done. The artwork is good the variety is good, and they have an extra something."
Reynolds is a longtime friend, Allison-Ottey said.
"It was a natural fit to go back to Southern Charm."
Home base these days is in the Washington D.C. and Maryland area, where Allison-Ottey co-owns a practice. But she spends much of her time traveling the country speaking on issues like AIDS/HIV, women's health and health literacy.
She is the executive director of The COSHAR Foundation, a non-profit committed to health outreach and education. She has authored the first in a series of fiction books she refers to as "fiction with a purpose."
During the course of the book, a health issue or concern is addressed while being woven into the story line.
"I believe in a sneak attack," she said.. "I take big medical school words and break them down so people can understand them."
Allison-Ottey held a book signing at Southern Charm on West Avenue in Kannapolis, for the first book, "All I Ever Did Was Love Man," which was released in 2006.
It was a story about a faithful, divorced middle-aged woman, and educates the reader about the dangers, risk factors and treatment options for HIV/AIDS.
"That was the best day we've ever had," Reynolds said.
The second book, "Is That a Fried Chicken Wing," about weight and lifestyle choices, will be released later this month.
Through all her success, Allison-Ottey remains grounded by her roots. She grew up in Kannapolis, and her parents Thomas and Guerleane Allison still live there.
Her love of writing and science were nurtured by two of her favorite teachers from A.L. Brown High School. Her science teacher Marty Comer challenged her love of science, but it was her English teacher Mr. Rodgers who introduced her to journaling, which became a passion.
"It was an eye opener for me. I still always journal where ever I go," Allison-Ottey said.
As an undergrad at N.C. Central University, she was the editor of the literary magazine, majored in chemistry and biology and had minors in English and African-American studies. She graduated with honors and attended medical school at East Carolina University.
Allison-Ottey has won many citations and awards during her medical career and is involved in numerous political, medical and civic organizations. She has been married for 12 years to her husband, Colin Cotty.
Summing up what she hopes to accomplish reflects how she has molded her career and lives her life. "I want to provide useful, practical, relevant health messages in simple terms that everyone can understand," she said.
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