Excelled academically in school and began college at age 15
While in college, was diagnosed with a heart condition that causes palpitations and dizziness
In 1995, she chronicled her illness in her first book, Women and Mitral Valve Prolapse: A Comprehensive Guide to Living and Coping With M
V
P
and Its Symptoms
Briefly dabbled as a designer in the fashion industry
Appeared on the NBC reality series Celebrity Apprentice in 2012; was knocked out of the competition in the second round
Has held several media positions, including newspaper columnist, TV reporter and editor-at-large on publications such as Star magazine and Reality Weekly