Hollywood, U.S.A. – Brenda Novak masterfully infuses suspense, mystery and romance into her bestselling novels, but it’s her real-life passions and endeavors that make for the best page-turners.

Throughout the month of May in honor of Mother’s Day, thousands of concerned individuals will become part of her story by participating in her annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research, which takes place at BrendaNovak.com and benefits the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute. A heroine in her own right, Novak manages to raise five kids and have a successful career and marriage, all while battling her son’s type 1 diabetes for the past 10 years and raising $1.3 million to help find a cure.

“I owe so much to my readers and other literary fans who support this effort every year, and to my colleagues who donate their time and more to help find a cure for my son, Thad, and millions of others,” said Novak, a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author who has penned more than 40 books.  Her latest small town contemporary romance series will debut in September 2012.

But it’s her role as a mother that drives her success with the auction.  Thad, 15, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 5. “I have a reason to believe that the Diabetes Research Institute is on the right path to a cure,” said Novak, who traveled to Miami with her husband, Ted, to tour the DRI’s state-of-the-art facility. “I will do everything I can to make sure that it happens as soon as possible,” she said.

Attracting more than 5,000 bidders throughout the country and beyond, the auction boasts an array of one-of-a-kind items due to Novak’s close connections in the literary world, such as lunches and private meetings with prominent authors like Steve Berry, Barry Eisler , Eloisa James and Janet Evonovich.

Famed romance novelist Nicholas Sparks has even donated his entire backlist, including 17 autographed books.  As always, the auction has a variety of must-have gadgets like Nook tablets, Kindles and iPads, plus world-class getaways, jewelry, popular theme baskets and more. The bidding starts at $2 for all items; participants can literally end up with bargains beyond their dreams!

“It’s truly remarkable what Brenda has been able to accomplish with her Online Auction in just eight years,” said Robert A. Pearlman , president and CEO of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. “Her dedication is inspiring.”

To participate in Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research, which benefits the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute, go to BrendaNovak.com to register, view items and bid. The auction closes on May 31, 2012.

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