"It's strange that I would be the one writing a book like this, because I was a 'Huxtable,' " she explains, referring to the well-to-do African-American family that Bill Cosby created for his 1984-92 television series "The Cosby Show."

"My parents are awesome and they are both overachievers who came from abusive homes," says Marshall. "They wanted us to have everything and they sometimes went without to give us all that they could. I was spoiled rotten."

And rebellious.

At age 13 and weighing 200 pounds, Marshall moved away from her close-knit circle of friends in Union City to Vacaville, where she felt different in so many ways. "I was struggling with my weight then, and dealt with name-calling and all that, but guess who the most popular girl in school was at the end of the year?"

And how did she earn that popularity? By being Kamané. She joined the cheer squad and tried to be positive and genuine with her team, but if someone was rude ... "I told them where to go and gave them specific directions on how to get there."

With her quick wit and operatic laughter, she can be heard throughout the house. It's obvious that she was never a wallflower. Stylishly dressed in colorful clothing and elegant jewelry, and carrying a cane as though it was a fashion accessory, it's hard to believe that just a few years ago she was angry, bitter and difficult to be around.

"I became mad at the world," she says. "I had vanity and pride. So, I made my share of bad decisions and had to learn to find my own way, using the values my parents taught me. I thank God for everything -- the good, bad and the ugly. Because I wouldn't be who I am today. It's a journey I'm glad I didn't miss."

But her journey took a deadly turn in her 20s.

From her abdomen down to her feet, Marshall noticed swelling. Doctors misdiagnosed the swelling as a thyroid problem, and that she was just overweight. This continued over several years.

Marshall was actually drowning in her lymphatic fluids and battling congestive heart failure and would have died if not for doctors at NorthBay Hospital, who discovered she had a disease called lymph edema.

Lymph edema causes fluid retention and tissue swelling as a result of a compromised lymphatic system.

She is convinced that part of the problem with determining her disease involved race and weight.

"I think some doctors and nurses I saw along the way simply thought I was black and fat," Marshall explains. "I am so grateful to NorthBay Hospital, because they listened to me and actually saved my life three times. I finally feel like I'm going to get better."

Thanks to a supportive husband, Steven, who is obviously fond of watching his wife during public speaking engagements and media interviews, Marshall hopes that she can offer other women some comfort. And they don't have to be any particular shape, size or color.

"I think a lot of women struggle with esteem issues," she says. "I want to send them a message of hope. I never used weight as an excuse not to live a good life, and I hope I can inspire others to feel the same way."

The self-described "flawed Christian" is on a health regimen that is often restrictive and difficult, but Marshall is finding her way, in style. Sporting a beautiful wig (she lost most of her hair during her illness), and taking belly dancing and other exercise classes, she continues to pursue her love of writing and to communicate the beauty that she sees in everyone.

"I believe in size tolerance," she says. "And I have to check myself to make sure I'm not a hypocrite. That means I have to accept skinny women, too!"

And then she laughs her amazing laugh and continues on her journey.