JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – More than 300,000 people in Mississippi live with diabetes, and more than 75,000 Mississippians have diabetes and don’t even know it. This is why awareness is so important.
In four weeks, you can help someone with the disease and raise money for programs at Mississippi’s Walk for Diabetes Metro Jackson. This year will mark 29 years that the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi has hosted the event.
“We want people to know we’re all here together in support. A lot of times, there’s stigma attached with having diabetes, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. We want people to know that they are supported. There’s people out there walking for them and walking to make sure they have great quality of life and access to what they need to take care of themselves,” explained Irena McClain with the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.
All of the money raised from the walk stays in the state to fund educational and assistance programs for adults and children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, along with supporting Camp Kandu for children with diabetes.