While millions of television viewers knew Mary Tyler Moore as the iconic lead on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and as Laura Petrie on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” NLM knew her as an advocate for diabetes research and for gracing the cover of the first issue (PDF) of NIH MedlinePlus magazine in 2006.

The legendary actress died on January 25 at the age of 80.

“Mary Tyler Moore was the perfect cover for the inaugural issue of the magazine,” said Kathleen Cravedi, NLM director of communication. “She spoke openly and passionately about her diabetes.”

As international chair of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Moore helped advance the understanding and treatment of type 1 diabetes—even as she fought to control her own.

On September 20, 2006, Moore joined with House and Senate lawmakers, former NIH director Dr. Elias Zerhouni, NLM leadership, and the Friends of the National Library of Medicine on Capitol Hill to gain even more visibility for MedlinePlus.gov and its diabetes resources. MSNBC, Self magazine, Health magazine, and other media featured Moore’s role as an advocate by citing, linking to, or using images from NIH MedlinePlus magazine.

“I champion the efforts that are being made through NIH MedlinePlus to provide easily understandable and reliable information on behalf of all people and their families affected with diabetes,” she told the magazine. “I am honored to be part of the launch of this new publication.”

We at NLM were honored to have had Moore’s support.

Mary Tyler Moore speaks at a Capitol Hill event marking the kick-off of NIH MedlinePlus magazine.

Mary Tyler Moore flashes her signature smile at the NIH MedlinePlus event on Capitol Hill September 20, 2006.

Senator Tom Harkin greets Mary Tyler Moore at the NIH MedlinePlus magazine launch on Capitol Hill. Moore’s husband, Dr. Robert Levine, and former NLM Director Dr. Donald Lindberg look on.