Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, Inc.

I did not find the The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi....it found me! Years ago as a successfull restaurateur, I would always take care of a special family, The Fortune family. As the years passed by and many meals later, I got to know a special lady, Mary Fortune. A very professional and caring person who loved taking care of other people. Come to find out she was the founder and Executive Director of the DFM. I realized how devoted she was to the Foundation and I knew I was destine to be part of this. Myself, being very active in the comminity it was a natural draw for me to connect myself with the DFM. I knew that I could help and assist as she has been doing for many years. Or colaboration worked. The many fund raising events always facinated me. The Car for a Cure, Baccus Ball, many state wide Walks. the live auctions at events, plus much more. But the best reason I am proud be part of the Foundation is the outreach and the spirit of people it reaches. The knowledge and spread of hope to individuals of people with Diabetes. The genuine care for their needs is always there through The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. I will always be thankful that they found me.

I have loved being involved with the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. Involvement in our communities has provided education and resources that are invaluable to patients, young and old. I encourage as many people as possible to donate time and financial assistance to such a great organization.

Waking up in the ER, with a doctor leaning over me, I couldn't grasp the words coming from his mouth. "You have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes." 11-years-old at the time, all that was running through my mind was all the things I wouldn't be able to do/eat now. Thankfully the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi came to my hospital room and reassured me otherwise. Over the years my family and I stayed in contact with the ladies at the DFM. I went to Camp Kandu as a kid, participated in the walks over the years and then was a counselor at Camp in high school. Going into college, my heart felt pulled in the nonprofit direction and that's what I pursued. Naturally, I contacted the DFM to see if I could do an internship and later that lead to a job with them after graduating. It is one thing to know the baseline of what they do and fundraise for this group. However, it was another thing to be working on the inside and seeing how many people they help everyday and seeing exactly where all of the donations go. I cannot say enough good things about the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. I feel very blessed and humbled to work here now and strive to touch peoples lives as they did mine.

I have volunteered at Camp Kandu several times to lead songs around the campfire for the kids. They are always ready to share stories about how much fun they've had throughout the day, and everyone can see just how happy they are to have made new friends or reconnected with old ones at this twice/year camp. Seeing the excitement on the kids' faces is a clear sign that they get so much out of attending this camp where they get to be around other kids with diabetes.

I can't wait for the next session of camp where I will hopefully be able to attend again to visit with these great kids and their families!

The DFM is awesome! Our daughter was diagnosed at age 7, she is 10 now. Ever since that moment, the DFM has been a part of our lives. Each person there is so special and the work they do for our T1D’s is even more special! They are always willing to help with whatever you need, whether it’s a simple question or helping someone get the supplies they need to live. We are so glad to have their support!!

The Diabetes Foundation of MS was an absolute godsend when our son was diagnosed T1D on February 9th, 2019. He was 8 years old at that time, and diabetes was something we had zero experience in dealing with, living with, or even understanding. During our initial hospital stay during diagnosis, Hannah Byrd from DFM came to see Tanner and brought him all kinds of goodies. They brought a backpack full of information, books, cookbooks, coloring books, glucose monitor & test strips, and even a stuffed dog named Rufus ������ I cannot express how much this meant for someone to care enough about us to try and help us through one of our most difficult life moments. Since then, any time i have ever had any questions or issues, our extended DFM family can either get me some answers, or point me in the direction of the help I need. They are an AMAZING group of people! The work that they're doing really does make a difference in not on the T1D's life, but the lives of their families also ������

My son was diagnosed with T1D in May of 2020. With Covid being an issue, only 1 person was allowed at the hospital with my son. Those 3 days were a blur. Someone was always in the room with information, taking labs, etc. When we got discharged, I felt so inadequate. I remember wondering how I was going to keep him alive. DFM reaches out to me soon after getting home. I was able to talk to someone that was a T1D that gave me tips and hints. Sometimes I can not always get a doctor to call back soon, but I feel better after talking to DFM until they do call back. They are wonderful!

The day you are told your child has a chronic, life-threatening illness is a devastating day. But, the beautiful folks at the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi have been with us since that very first day offering support in innumerable ways. Helping us navigate a stressful and frightening time, and empowering us to keep our son in good health as he goes forward.
Understanding, caring, and supporting is what these lovely people do best.

Hi my name is Rebekah Griffin. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes i. April of 2019. That was a very difficult time in my life but it was made easier by my family, my endocrinology team at Batson Children's Hospital, and the sweet folks at the DiabetesFoundation of MS. I really enjoyed the backpack of goodies and T1D educational materials that the DFM brought to me and my mom in the hospital. I did not know any other kids with T1D but I met some at Camp Kandu. I am looking forward to the next one! The DFM also introduced me to my T1D pen pal. I did not know that writing and receiving letters could be so much fun! Living with diabetes is hard but I am thankful for the DFM. They are the best!!

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi reached out to us when our son was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes almost two years ago. They were and still are a complete blessing to our family. They are a huge asset to the state of Mississippi!

My now thirteen year old son was only two when he was diagnosed with Diabetes type 1. He started to feel out of place as he grew up and started school. We received an invite to Camp Kandu that changed our life. Meeting other children like himself and getting hands on diabetes education was the key that unlocked his future. We have been a part of the DFM family ever since. They’ve offered assistance in so many ways and always make sure that my son is staying connected. Just this past school year they taught “a sweet subject” at his Jr. High School and it was a huge success. Now that we have another son that has been diagnosed with Type 1, they have shown him just as much love and support as they did ho older brother. I can’t thank them enough for making a difference in our lives.

Our granddaughter Anna was diagnosed at age 3 with Type 1 Diabetes.

To say our world was turned upside down is an understatement.

We were introduced to some experts in the medical field that were sent to us by God.

Then we learned about the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

Words cannot express our appreciation to the staff with this organization. Any questions we have had or just being there for support through the years, we would recommend DFM to anyone that has a need.

Anna has come a long way as we her family have too. She will be 20 years old in October.

I honestly can’t say enough about Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.
I found this organization through parents who reached out to me with my T1D teen.
The amount of information and help we received from DFoM was such a blessing. It was needed info that we had not received from any other foundation in the five years that my daughter had been diagnosed. The back pack full of diabetic goods mailed to my daughter helped her feel not so alone in the battle with this disease.
We thank DFoM!

My daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 16. She is now 21 and had to move back from Austin,TX to MS due to Covid-19 job loss. She found herself with no insurance, no money for insulin or supplies, and no Endocrinogist to follow her. We reached out to the Diabetes Foundation of MS and were helped immediately with emergency supplies and insulin, help with finding specialists and getting the referrals and emotional support we both desperately needed. We cannot say enough about how wonderful this foundation is!!

We (my 6 year old at the time) were blindsided be a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. We spent several days in the hospital and as soon as we arrived at home and got comfortable I received a call from this non profit organization that wanted to help us any way they could. They sent us a care package to make her feel special and haven’t stopped giving yet. I had no idea how this organization would change our life and we are forever grateful! ������������❤️

When I was eight years old, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes, and I can speak for my mother and I when say that if it had not been for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, Inc., we would have been lost in this very confusing and terrifying phase. Attending Camp Kandu twice a year, hanging out with kids that shared the same disease that I did, and my mother attending meetings with new information about the disease we were all battling made it easier to cope with. It filled us with hope and inspiration. I now volunteer as a camp counselor there, sharing personal testimonies from growing up with this disease, offering an interesting perspective as a person who has been through the things that these families are now being, unfortunately, introduced to. It’s a wholesome and fulfilling experience unlike any other. I will always and forever be grateful for this organization, for what they did for my family and for what they continue to do for others like mine.

This is a top notch non profit. All of the people who work there are very compassionate about helping those they serve. They also are very careful and judicious with the monies entrusted to them to help educate people with Diabetes how live with Diabetes.

My name is Rick Bosarge and I have lived with Diabetes for over 60 yers now. Several years ago my daughter called and informed me they had just diagnosed my first grandchild with diabetes. I was angry regarding this and soon after, grandchild Abigail approached me and said Paw Paw, I am going to be alright because I have you to help me.
Abigail and I with many members of our family signed up for the Coast Walk for Diabetes in Gulfport. During the walk we met other families dealing with diabetes and also met many working for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. After this walk, Abigail and I were asked if we would serve as honorary chairpersons for next years walk. We both agreed.
Over the next years actively participated in events which included; lectures at local schools, educating school nurses, handing out backpacks and supplies, lectures to civic organizations, and attending and serving as a registered nurse at Camp KhanDo.
I grew up in a time when very little was known about diabetes. Working with these people and what they are sharing and bringing to these children and families is amazing. I was excited to know that I actually was participating to help make lives better.
It came time for our walk and that was an exciting day. Large turnout and from what I was told, a big success. Over the year I met numerous people, businesses, and organizations. Participated in several television interviews . Shortly after the walk, I was invited and voted to join the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi Board of Directors. I was honored to say yes and currently sit on the board.
No one ever wants to be diagnosed with diabetes. It happens to someone everyday. The good news is we know how to care for them so much better and that person can do whatever they are willing to work to achieve. My years working with these people have been great. I know each of the ladies by name and whether they like hearing from me of not, I check in every couple of weeks just to see how they are doing. Mary, Irena, Hanna, Nicki, and my Ashley, please keep up the great work. Rick

My girlfriend and her dad are both type 1 diabetics. This organization helped to provide them with information that has helped them tremendously! They told them about different pump brands they hadn’t heard of, offered nutritional advice, and were overall just pleasant, caring people!

My son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 4 years ago. When he was diagnosed we were unsure of the support and resources available to him and us. Diabetes foundation of Mississippi was recommended to us by another type 1 parent and soo glad they were! Don’t know what we would do without DFM. They have camp Kandu which is amazing for the whole family! Our son can see he is not alone and the camp is soo much fun!! They offer resources, education, support and most of all love!! I feel like I have a second family at the diabetes foundation of Mississippi and we are soo thankful for them. They help, they are available , they are helpful! Love, love, love!!

The most dedicated and caring foundation there ever was. Since the day my daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the individuals who work or volunteer here have been the kindest, most helpful people I know!!

This charity does such incredible work by helping so many people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who are struggling or just in need of a little help. They are not only a source of encouragement for the diabetes community, they provide aide with diabetic supplies if someone is in desperate need, they provide education on diabetes, and they advocate constantly for people who might be discriminated against because of diabetes. They provide hope for a lot of people who, after receiving a diagnosis of type 1 or 2 diabetes, might be feeling hopeless. I am very impressed with the organization's work and the passion of the people who run it.

My grandson had need for supplies when there was a mix up with insurance. The Ms Diabetes foundation was quick to fill the need. They saved his life. They are the first to be at the hospital to help educate newly diagnosed T1D families. Can’t say enough good about them.

Wonderful place!! They helped my son go to Diabetes Camp and have always been there to answer any questions I may have had. The staff is very friendly, welcoming and helpful.

As others offer testaments to the attributes and life changing impacts the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi has had on the individuals affected with diabetes and their families, I’d like to focus on the individual who is the genesis of building this organization.

Mary Fortune has run this organization for over 35 years. When Mary joined, it was the American Diabetes Association. There was no budget, the Mississippi Charter loaned money to pay Mary’s salary, her desk consisted of a board over two chairs, and there were few volunteers.

Undaunted, Mary began soliciting corporate sponsorship, creating fund raising events, recruiting volunteers, hiring compassionate and dedicated employees, and building a business strategy to address and help Mississippians find support, educational information, and guidance to medical resources.

Her community outreach included sponsoring diabetes testing in schools, churches, and businesses. She organized seminars where leading doctors from across the country would speak with the local medical communities on the latest medical technologies and developments. For the children of Mississippi, she created an annual camp where kids could be kids.

It was at the pinnacle of her work, the American Diabetes Association decided to pull all the funds of the Mississippi Chapter had raised to finance her initiatives and consolidated it on a regional level. This action would eliminate the ability to fund the new programs under her initiative.

Through Mary’s leadership, the Mississippi Chapter challenged the national organization in federal court. The outcome was the Mississippi Chapter could divest itself from the national organization; the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi was born.

Under her continued leadership, Mary, her team, the volunteers, and corporate and individual sponsors have continued a program to help those affected with diabetes to enhance their health, find medical solutions, gain a better understanding of diabetes care through educational programs, and provide compassion, empathy, and care to those afflicted until a cure is found.

Mary Fortune, I acknowledge you for your dedication to those whose lives you have positively impacted across Mississippi, your legacy in creating hope, the support and care you have provided families, and your tenacity and leadership skills to built an organization of high values and principles. Mississippi is lucky to have you!

I have been on the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi Board of Directors for over 15 years and continue to be amazed at what this organization does for Mississippians. Whenever you have the opportunity, please support this outstanding group. And remember this is the only Diabetes group in the state that provides direct assistance to Mississippians.

The Diabetes Foundation of MS are such a blessing and have been such an awesome resource to us. They are always just a phone call away and always so friendly and eager to help rather it’s just with info for our school or us or needing supplies! My son was diagnosed 3 years ago with type 1 and I was oblivious to the condition he now had and scared to death. I will never forget a worker from the DFM came to see us with a bookbag for my son full of supplies, snacks, and toys and assured me everything would be ok. She even gave my her number and said to call her anytime I had a question. She has become my go to friend for diabetes! You will never find a more caring and compassionate staff than those at the DFM.

When my daughter Alexis was diagnosed in August 2017 we was so shocked,so lost, and didn't know what to do... She didn't want anyone to know that this happened to her. She wouldn't check her bg I front of people much less give herself insulin... She wanted to hide. We went to camp in November and she made a lot of new friends. She saw her new friends checking their bg and giving insulin out in the open and Alexis was like look momma they aren't shy about it. She said she can do the same... and from then on out she didn't care who saw her do what.. She is always saying "this is my new life" " this is what keeps me alive... don't like what I'm doing don't look". Love her attitude now.. She has changed so much since she was first diagnosed. And I give thanks to camp and all the staff.

My Type 1 diabetic son uses Dexcom G5 to monitor his blood glucose. When we lost his insurance coverage at the end of last year, we could no longer afford the transmitter needed for the sensors. Diabetes Foundation of MS supplied him with two transmitters to see us through several months of glucose monitoring. It is such a peace of mind knowing his Dexcom is working and monitoring even while he's sleeping, playing, and just being a kid. I can't say thank you enough for the help DFM has given us. What a blessing this organization is.

The Diabetes Foundation is a great asset for the state ofMississippi. They are a great resource for people who have Diabetes. The staff that work with the foundation are always courteous, friendly and helpful!! It is good to know that they care.

"I Love The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, for over several years they have been a huge impact on my life from giving me insulin and other diabetes supply's in my time of need. Thanks everybody that have been apart of my life."

(C. was recently a walk-in client - diagnosed 14 years ago and was a Kandu Kid whom we have watched grow up.)

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is an incredible organization. We are very fortunate to have them in the state of Mississippi helping children and adults with diabetes. At the age of 37, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. My husband and I had no idea about diabetes and how this was going to change our lives.

I got involved with the MS Walk for Diabetes for the Gulf Coast and met their wonderful staff. I am amazed daily at what amazing things the staff of the Diabetes Foundation of MS provides for people. Whether it is having Camp Kandu or mailing out a care kit to those recently diagnosed. They are always helping.

The staff is very knowledgeable about diabetes, medicine, equipment, insulin and more. I have been recently having challenges with my medicine and insurance only wanting to cover a certain amount. The staff was able to provide me extra insulin until I was able to get my perscription filled. I could not have gone with out having my insulin. It was huge blessing and life saving to be able get additional insulin.

I am committed to continuing to support, volunteer and help in anyway that I can to repay the assistance and support they have given me. Thank you Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

Our daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 10. She's now 25 and doing well, and the support and helpful information we've received through the years from DFM has been invaluable. We've participated in Kamp Kandu, Walk for Diabetes, and fund-raising efforts and highly commend Diabetes Foundation for their efforts to make life better for Mississippians with diabetes.

My 6 year old son was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and shortly after we got released from the hospital we received a NICE backpack from the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. This bag was packed full of stuff from a blood glucose monitor, test stripes, a snack bag, lancets and glucose tablets to a stuffed animal and kid books about diabetes. It was awesome, and my son had the best time going through everything. It even had information on diabetes camp, fund raising marathons and different insulin pumps. They even got me in touch with some other parents of kids in my area who have type 1 diabetes too. Now,my son doesn't feel like he's the only kid in town with diabetes. :-)

DFM was there for us from day one. Wanted to know if we needed anything, and to answer questions, no matter if it was late evening. They have the best organization around! They have been absolutely a Godsend to us! I would give more than 5 stars if I could!! Like one big family!

I can't say enough good things about the DFM. They have been there for us since day one of our son's T1D diagnosis. My son felt so special upon receiving his initial care package. We were also relieved because it felt great knowing there was another team of people to help us when/if we needed it. They helped us get connected with other parents and T1 kiddos in our area and in our state via social media groups. We absolutely love Camp Kandu!! From school nurse trainings, seminars, fundraising events, and community outreach programs , the DFM does a great job advocating for all of the Mississippian's with Diabetes.

When you get diagnosed with a disease like diabetes it feels like the rug is pulled out from under you. When your a parent and your child is diagnosed it can be scarier bringing them home from the hospital than it was when they were infants. The wonderful people at this organization reach out in so many ways with information, check in calls, introducing you to other families and making sure you have every tool they can help you with to survive and thrive after your diagnosis.

Simply put they are amazing.

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is such a blessing to me and my family. My precious little miracle has many diagnosis including type 1 diabetes mellitus. At the time of diagnosis, the DFM reached out to us and offered their support and lifelong friendship. They spoke with me and sent my baby girl a backpack full of educational tools to help us understand and manage her diabetes which also included an amazing teddy bear that not only gives comfort but is also designed to teach the kids how to give insulin and finger pokes. The support is amazing. If I have a question or a need, all I have to do is call or message. It's such a comfort. The greatest blessing to me is that we are struggling with issues with our supply company. My baby did not receive her supplies for almost 2 months. The test strips are costly. I was so worried about what I was going to do. I had only 7 strips left. We test 5-8 times a day. I called DFM and told them what was going on. They purchased strips for my baby and overnighted them to me. I cannot put into words how much of a blessing this was! Took such an extreme burden off me! The DFM is more than an organization. They are loving, caring people who go the extra mile to support and help families. I thank God for them!

I have had a close connection with the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi for quite a few years and have personally been deeply touched by the integrity and compassion of the staff and of their mission. I also personally know many individuals across the state of Mississippi whose lives have been positively impacted in specific ways.
The Diabetes Foundathin of Mississippi makes a personal connection with people they serve and I am so very grateful for the many tangible ways my needs have been met-

One of the singular most powerful thing ever done for me was an action by Mary Fortune via DFM. Knowing of a specific need my daughter had, at a time when insurance was not available to us, she reached out to us (being proactive and showing true compassion by not just words but action!!) and provided needed resources that have been life changing in terms of my daughter's management of T1. Her life is better, therefor my life is better because of the service of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. I will never be able to sufficiently express my gratitude!!!!
Im so very thankful!!!

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi does an excellent job helping those with diabetes in our state. Wonderful job!

I am a member of the Mississippi Corvette Club and last year we were looking for an organization to partner with to help raise money for a great cause. We were looking at several and I googled the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, Inc and was impressed with their website and when I realized I knew several of the board members I grabbed my phone and called Dr. Laura McCalop and asked her if she thought they would be interested in our annual event. She made some calls and put me in touch with Mary Fortune and the rest is History! The best thing ever! We truly enjoyed working together to raise the funds to help this organization! Many children will be blessed! Thank you Dr. McCalop!

Since 2008 I've been blessed to be able to assist the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi in their mission to serve persons with diabetes of all types, plus their loved ones. Their focus has (and always will be) the people of Mississippi. Mary Fortune and her wonderful team are passionate advocates for children and adults struggling to dominate diabetes. And with the DFM, all dollars raised in Mississippi STAY in Mississippi. This is in contrast to other diabetes advocacy groups which send needed dollars away from the area where they are raised. I give the DFM the highest rating for their fidelity to mission and commitment to serve all persons in the great state of Mississippi. It's an honor to be associated with a group of inspiring people.

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi have been awesome and so helpful and most of all caring. They have helped in so many ways. The lasted being getting Medicad to start paying for CGM monitors. They have made me cry tears of joy several times. They go above and beyond any organization I have ever seen. I hope to get to meet face to face with them so I can personally thank them. I see all they do and it amazes me how much work they put into everything they do. I am not the best with words but I truly love this great group of people.

The MS Corvette Club does an annual Corvette Show to raise money for charity. This past year we were looking to make a change in the charity we support. After one meeting with the Director and Staff of the Diabetes Foundation of MS we knew we had found our calling. Our group was very impressed with their work with children diagnosed with diabetes at the Blair E. Batson Hospital by providing them with a back pack with the necessary supplies and information on the disease. We set our goal to raise enough money to support at least 100 children who might not get help without the generosity of the DFM. Working with this organization has been a wonderful adventure and we look forward to working with them again in the near future.

So thankful for Darcy, Dex, Mary Fortune and The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi! Mrs. Mary's compassion for people drives her to help people living with diabetes in such tangible ways. My family is so touched. I am healthier. My babies have a healthier momma. My husband is a little less paranoid about seizures watching me from the Share App at work. We don't have words to express the gratitude! We just wish we could all give her a big hug.

I cannot put into words how wonderful the DFM has been for our family. The support and education they offer is invaluable and the friendships that we've developed are so important to us. I know that anytime we need anything all I need to do is let them know. We look forward to our time with other DFM families and are so blessed to be able to reach out to new families and welcome them into this crazy life with diabetes while offering the same support and guidance that is so appreciated by us. I couldn't have asked for a better support system than the DFM.

I have been a board member of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi for 20+ years. I have worked with the staff and other volunteers closely on various projects through those years.

This organization does amazing work for many Mississippians with somewhat limited resources. It is able to accomplish this primarily through the dedication and hard work of its staff and volunteers and a supportive board of directors.

You can see a list of the DFM's accomplishments in the other comments on this site or on the DFM website. What is not readily apparent is the work in the trenches, so to speak, for individuals on a daily basis, those people who need help and really haven't been able to get it anywhere else.

Then, there is a constant sense of advocacy from the staff for diabetic community in general, manifested in many ways. In my lobbying work, we have been able to affect some changes that positively affect in a permanent way the lives of those with diabetes. These include diabetic 504 plan guidelines, a sales tax exemption for DFM, meaning more money for services, and insuring Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitors.

In a nutshell, this organization is all about serving Mississippians with diabetes.