POWERED BY
Avowed vegan and multiplatinum rocker MELISSA ETHERIDGE headlines a plant-based Fort Lauderdale luncheon hosted by Maggie Viola and Albert Balido BY LINDA MARX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY RABINOWITZ
nown for her tell-all lyrics and smoky vocals, Melissa Etheridge has been a radio staple for more than three decades. She rocked her way onto the music scene in 1988 with the release of her critically acclaimed self-titled album. In 1992, she won her first Grammy Award. In 1996, she was named Songwriter of the Year at the ASCAP Pop Awards. But in 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer. Like most people facing a life-threatening diagnosis, Etheridge was eager to beat the disease and move on with her life and career. But treatment was not easy. As she underwent chemotherapy in Los Angeles, Etheridge says she used cannabis to help with the difficult side effects. “Cannabis was medicinal and helped with my appetite, pain, and depression,” she says. Eventually, Etheridge beat cancer. She says that the extensive research she did during her cancer journey—learning more about the relationship between cancer and certain foods—helped her make the switch to a purely plant-based diet. Eighteen years later, Etheridge says she feels great, and she’s eager to share that bliss with the world. “While cannabis helped with my own joy, a plant-based diet and lifestyle is part of my desire for good health,” says the musician/activist, who 54
From far left: Melissa Etheridge; Albert Balido and Maggie Viola inside their Fort Lauderdale home. Opposite page: The tablescape featured natural materials and colored roses.
co-founded two companies reflecting her interests: Etheridge Organics line of CBD supplements, which are sold in 38 states, and Etheridge Botanicals line of cannabis, which is available in California. Two years ago, Etheridge met Maggie Viola, a Fort Lauderdale–based marketing specialist. The two women shared not only a cancer battle, but also a dedication to the benefits of the vegan lifestyle. “We were doing a benefit for horse rescue in Los Angeles when I met Maggie shortly before the coronavirus shut things down,” says Etheridge. “We became friends after discovering our like minds.” Viola now helps Etheridge market her CBD and cannabis products.
FORT LAUDERDALE ILLUSTRATED
054_ETHERIDGE_0222.indd 54
1/4/22 4:49 PM
