The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi will host its annual Walk for Diabetes event in Hattiesburg, raising funds and awareness for children and adults living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes across the state.
The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the lives of Mississippians affected by diabetes through education, support, advocacy and medical assistance.
The walk will begin at 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at the USM Gateway on the Longleaf Trace, with registration beginning at 1 p.m. Participants can choose between a 1-mile and 3-mile route.
The event will also include food, local vendors and children’s activities. Participation is free, although the foundation encourages a minimum donation of $25 when possible.
During the walk, attendees can visit an informational table to learn about diabetes, including the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Jowilla Secoy, regional director for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, said the Hattiesburg area is an important location because of the number of children and adults with diabetes in the Pine Belt and surrounding communities.
“It all ties to community and making sure that we’re there for them,” Secoy said.
The organization is entirely donor-supported, with funds raised remaining in Mississippi to support its programs, according to Secoy.
The Bernat family will serve as the honorary chair family this year after their daughter, Anna Kate, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in February 2025 at age 9. After her diagnosis, the family connected with the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi at the 2025 Hattiesburg walk, giving Anna Kate an opportunity to meet other children living with type 1 diabetes.
The foundation supported her family through the We Care 2 program, providing a backpack with books, diabetes-testing supplies, a stuffed animal and a basketball.
The event has a fundraising goal of approximately $20,000 this year to benefit the foundation’s key programs, according to Secoy.
Secoy said the event is also an opportunity for community members to meet others and show support for people living with diabetes.
“Knowledge is power,” Secoy said. “It’s learning to be compassionate, but it’s also learning to be supportive of others who may have it.”
Those interested in participating or learning more about the Walk for Diabetes can visit the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi’s website at www.msdiabetes.org.
