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.
The DFM has helped my family in many ways! They have helped us get our Type One Diabetic child a CGM, helped with educational information, sent supplies when we ran out, and helped pay for her to attend Diabetes Camp. We are grateful for this organization and encourage others to support them financially.
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.
Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is a phenomenal group! Our little girl was diagnosed in November of 2018 and the team at DFM has been with us every step of the way. They have been right there from sending us an initial box of goodies/supplies, phone calls to check in on us, Camp Kandu, and the list goes on and on! We can’t say enough positive things about the way we have felt supported and loved through this great organization!
East Columbus Lions have actively supported the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) for more than 15 years. Why? Because every dollar donated reaches Mississippians who have diabetes. The annual DFM walk is a fun event to renew old friendships and make new friends. Nearly 1 in 5 Mississippians have Type 1, Type 2 or pre-diabetes, this disease must be controlled. Lions and the DFM are great advocates for education and help. I’m a Lion and also a proud financial contributor. I encourage others to make a generous gift to the DFM.
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.
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Outstanding organization with dedicated and caring staff. They have contributed so much to the people of Mississippi. I am honored to have been affiliated with the Foundation for 16 years.
This is such a great group of people doing amazing things to help not only type 1 peoplw, but kids and families as well. They have welcomed my family with open arms and we do not feel alone. They have sent numerous packages of supplies, information, "happys", support items for the diagnosed type 1 children, just an all around amazing group. I know this journey with my son, would never have been as "easy" without them. Not only do I not feel alone, but the support that they offer is unmatched! True life saving group!!
Our son was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes June 25, 2016. He was admitted to Blair Batson Hospital in Jackson on Saturday. Kaitlan visited us on Monday with lots of goodies for Nathan and encouraging words for us. Irena and the whole staff are wonderful and always are willing to help. We feel like family with them. So thankful for their support!
My son was diagnosed 3 yrs ago this week at the age of 7. Without the DFM we would be lost! They have become family to us and are just a phone call away when we need something or momma just needs to talk! They are a blessing to our family and many many more in this state!
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The Diabetes foundation has been with us since our daughter's diagnosis. The staff is always there when you need help or just someone to vent to because dealing with schools was very overwhelming. The Sweet Subject education classes, annual walks, and diabetes camps are the best! We love the Diabetes Foundation of MS!
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 have been a great resource for us. I appreciate all the hard work provided by the staff. I want to give a big thanks to Nicki and Irena for all your help and knowledge. Brayden was so happy when we got home from the hospital to see his backpack full of goodies. Thanks for all you do..
The Matthews
Brayden-dx 12/20/17
Brian & Alisha
Diabetes Foundation of MS is amazing!
During the scariest time when my three year old was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, This fabulous organization reached out to our family.
They were so comforting & willing to help us navigate this new life with a chronic illness. They offered support in so many ways from offering programs that continue our education to best treat & manage my child’s illness, to creating relationships between parents going through similar experiences.
They are friends for life.
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My daughter was diagnosed at age 3 in 2008. Diabetes Foundation contacted us to offer support at the hospital.
At a very scary time for us they were a beacon of light on so many unknowns to us. They shared information introduced us to other families & provided programs to help us in our journey with type 1 diabetes.
What an incredible organization who continues such valuable support in our community.
Our son was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes June 25, 2016. He was admitted to Blair Batson Hospital in Jackson on Saturday. Kaitlan visited us on Monday with lots of goodies for Nathan and encouraging words for us. Irena and the whole staff are wonderful and always are willing to help. We feel like family with them. So thankful for their support!
When my oldest son was diagnosed with diabetes we had no idea that anything like this existed. It wasn't until his fourth year of diagnoses that we happen to have stumbled upon the diabetes foundation. My son was hospitalized for infection for four days. While he was there, There was nothing for me to do. So I had this pamphlet of information of numerous places and I filled them out and the hospital sent it off for me. Well after we got home about a week later we got a package in the mail. This package was a great breath of air. And it was from the diabetes foundation. As we were going through all of the items I noticed my son's face would light up with each thing that I brought out of it. The happiest moment was when I pulled out a basketball. Like an actual basketball and he was so excited to just go outside and play with him just being a kid. Because of them I am so grateful for everything that they've done for us. We were invited to Camp Kandu that year and we actually participated. I got to take all of my children with me and that something that I've never been able to do. So while the kids are doing stuff that is actually really fun and educational for their sibling and I get to learn stuff that I've never even heard of before. Fast forward it to a year later after our first trip at camp, they offered us a trial net for testing of the other siblings. And even for them for me. So we did the test and low and behold my youngest tested positive for all the antibodies of diabetes. My world has been shaken and turned upside down but I knew that we had this under control. I had the great support of the foundation, from our family, and from the endocrinologist. I don't think I could have chosen a better group of people to of been there for my children through all that they have gone through. This group has sent out test strips when we ran out of them. They have done so much more than I could ever imagine from any foundation. I didn't even know that what they did for every body and I was absolutely in shock when they reach out and just gave me that hand that I absolutely needed. That shoulder that I needed to cry on. This foundation is more than just a foundation to us, they are our family. I wouldn't want it any other way.
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.
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The family at DFM are an amazing group. From my daughters T1 diagnoses 19 months ago, they immediately became part of our lives in the best way. I've seen the amazing work that they do first hand, Camp Kandu, Sweet Subject, personal education and assistance that has not only shaped the way we handle diabetes in our family but how we care for our daughter. DFM isn't just another organization raising money to fight diabetes, they are giving families the keys to beat diabetes, one day at a time. They are there anytime you have a question or a need, no matter how large or small. I really cannot stress enough how amazing this group is. We love our DFM family!
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.
The DFM is hands down the best organization! They help tons of families, including mine, when we need it the most. They go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure you are taken care of and have everything you need. We would not be where we are today without their help.
Kim Kuhn
These folks help TONs of kids in Mississippi. I've had great interactions with them at local diabetes walks.
I'm a diabetes doctor serving mostly poor children in Mississippi. Countless times, DFM has stepped in for my vulnerable patients to meet their needs for medication, supportive services, and community and personal education. I couldn't do my job without them! My patients and their families sing their praises!
I have learned from volunteering at the DFM that if each of us were to do SOMETHING, we could make a monumental difference, one by one, step by step, heart by heart. My work as a volunteer at the Diabetes Foundation has been encouraging, to say the least. There is great satisfaction being a part of something larger than myself, knowing that in some small way I have contributed to helping to educate and provide resources to those that are struggling to live with diabetes successfully. Access to and distribution of printed materials has allowed me to share encouragement with others who are facing such a difficult, life altering diagnosis. When I started volunteering my thought was simply to go and help out with some "office work". Never could I have imagined that I would personally gain so much! From day one I was meeting people whom I knew were expressing a genuine interest and concern with others well-being. Both physically and emotionally. I know what that feeling is all about! A good friend, who works for the organization, suggested that I consider doing some volunteer work that would use the abilities I already had and at that time they were incredibly short handed. The seed she planted gave me the desire to reach out and discover there was something I could do that might make a difference somehow... and in a very enjoyable work environment! The new personal relationships with employees and other volunteer workers has been an unexpected blessing! It has allowed me to also use my abilities to educate and aid folks in the diabetic community, whether they be caregivers or patients. I was born with Juvenile Diabetes (type I), as well as, a heart condition and had recently found myself somewhat mobility challenged due to the long term effects of the diseases. I couldn't drive or work a regular 9 to 5 and was feeling confined and depressed. By teaching me to reach out effectively to others they have helped me to enrich and better my own life! The staff at DFM are some of the most caring and generous people that I have ever met! I hope to continue to volunteer with the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi as long as I am able... and encourage others to volunteer with this most worthy organization!
Our 18 year old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 4 and the DFM has been a part of our management team for over 14 years! They have provided early education through programs like Camp Kandu and been a confidant with school advocacy and education with the Sweet Subject School Education Program and other information. The DFM does not just have staff, it has caring and knowledgeable people who are friends and allies for diabetes. Whenever we need them, we know that all we have to make is one phone call. Our son recently received a grant from the DFM Doyle Warrington Memorial Diabetes Alert Dog Fund. Purchase of his diabetic alert dog would not have been possible without DFM! An overall fantastic non-profit organization.
My name is Kristi Pennington Shanks, and I am 29 years old. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 12. Soon after my diagnosis, I became connected with the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. DFM has helped educate and counsel my family and I through many situations associated with this disease. Not only was the staff available in times of need, but they treated me like I was a part of their team. They have always had a genuine care for all of their members. For the past 17 years, the DFM has been by my side through several major events in my life such as: college, marriage, pregnancy, kidney failure, and most recently kidney/pancreas transplant. It's so nice to have skilled professionals at the DFM that I consider "family" to provide advice, support, and direction. The DFM has been with me every step of my walk throughout life with diabetes (which hasn't always been easy) from my childhood to now my motherhood. I am very thankful for them for caring, loving, and providing comfort to my family and I throughout my ups-and-downs of life with diabetes.
My name is Susan Ford, and I can say without reservation, that The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is the greatest charitable organization I've ever had the pleasure of working with. When my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 4, they were there to answer every question and concern I had. Not only were they there for us right after my son's diagnosis, but they continued to be a wonderful support system over the years. I always felt that I could pick with the phone and call them with any questions. Even after we moved out of state, we stayed in touch, as I felt like they had become part of the family. Every single person in the office is knowledgeable, kind and helpful. I just wish they would relocate to Virginia!
The DFM is one of the most caring organization I have encountered. Its' team of highly skilled professionals goes above and beyond to help people and their families with diabetes. Their compassion, understanding and passion for service is extraordinary. The programs and services offered are tailor made for the various needs throughout the different parts of the state. Highly networked within the medical community, they have a referral network that is unsurpassed. Mississippi is lucky to have such a unique organization to serve its' citizens.
Hi, my name is Kaitlan Sudduth. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 9 and will turn 21 this month. Dealing with this disease in general is tough enough, but having a support system and people who actually know what it means to have Type 1 makes the journey a little more bearable. The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi has given me both and continues to be a special part of my life. One of the best things about this organization is that the staff genuinely cares about the people it helps. DFM is special in that it also cares about people being educated about diabetes, and much of the Foundation's efforts goes toward this. This emphasis on education is important because it is what helps those with diabetes and their families to know how to battle this disease in daily life. Another thing DFM gives is the opportunity to make connections with others who have diabetes, and this is especially helpful to the newly diagnosed. A certain peace of mind comes about when one can relate to another about something as physically and emotionally trying as diabetes. Although I could never fully express my thankfulness to the Diabetes Foundation of MS, I do extend my thanks. Thank you for giving me and so many others hope in knowing no one is alone in this journey.
My son was diagnosed Type 1 two years ago. The diagnosis was initially so overwhelming, I could barely breathe. I was fortunate to be referred to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. They provided education, support and a shoulder to cry on. In addition, I was given info on the camp they do, Camp Kandu. The camp was incredible. My son felt "normal" there for the first time since diagnosis. The Camp includes activities and education for the entire family. I cannot say enough about what a great job this group does.
Words cannot begin to express what all the DFM has done not only for my family, but for others all over the state of MS. When my daughter was diagnosed 13 months ago, they immediately stepped in to help us and have been like family ever since. They truly care about everyone and there is nothing they will not do to help out. My daughters school had never had a diabetic child until her and the DFM came out and trained them on how to care for her. Twice a year they have Camp Kandu which is a phenomenal event that we look forward to each year! I have worked with many organizations, but none top the work and care that Mary and Irena do with the DFM and we are forever grateful for them!
Words cannot fully express how much this organization has meant to us since my daughter's Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis in 2010 at the age 4. They have helped us train day care staff with their Sweet Subjects Program, provided us with the information we needed to care for my DD through the Diabetes Super Conference and Camp Kandu, they helped make sure we had test strips while fighting with insurance for coverage, and have given my DD a chance meet other kids and watch them live life to the fullest. I cannot imagine having to go through this journey without them!
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We were overwhelmed when our then four year-old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes several years ago, but the Diabetes Foundation of MS came to our rescue. They helped provide test strips when we had to pay out of pocket while we got insurance to approve additional strips and have trained multiple day cares and summer programs so that they could properly care for our daughter. In addition, we love Camp Kandu and the Diabetes Super Conference which gives my daughter a chance to meet other kids like her and us a chance to benefit from the experience of other parents and other experts. I am not sure I would have the confidence I have in dealing with my daughter's condition if it wasn't for the programs and help provided by the DFM.
My daughter Reagan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at three years old. It was a tumultuous time for our family, to say the least. I was put in touch with the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, & almost from the moment we brought Reagan home from the hospital they have been an invaluable resource. The DFM mailed Reagan a backpack full of diabetic supplies, information for parents, & a neat cookbook that's come in handy. When we were ready to switch from daily injections to an insulin pump, the DFM mailed me information on various pump options, & they opened their facilities to us when we met with the pump trainer. The past eight months have been an incredible period of adjustment for our family, & the support we've received from the DFM has been amazing.
Anna Zeigler
Mississippi is inundated with diabetes. The Mississippi Diabetes Foundation is a locally run, locally funded non-profit organization which aims to improve the lives of all Mississippians struggling with diabetes of any type. All monies raised are spent within the state and not siphoned off to a national office. This group is a model for how other states and communities should organize themselves to combat chronic diseases in the 21st century. I have been involved with the group for over 4 years and could not recommend them more highly.
DFM has been a blessing to our family and our community. They are there for us everytime we need them. More than willing to go to any length to help us. We are blessed to have such helpful knowlegeable staff at DFM
They are extremily hard working people. They are always out in schools , churchs and other places to educate and identify high risk people that may have or could have diabeties. They do this on a very controlled budget with little overhead.. Hardest working non-profit I have ever been associated with..
DFM provides a strong and much need service to the people of Mississippi. Those affected with diabetes have a knowledgeable and compassionate resource where they can gain information and support in managing their disease. Thousands of lives have been changed for the better through the education, awareness, and outreach of DFM. Until there's a cure, there is DFM.
DFM always does everything first class. Mississippians are fortunate to have such knowledgeable staff at DFM. Their conferences, workshops, and fundraisers are second to none. The lives they touch daily are blessed by their caring spirit. To know that the funds raised by their tireless efforts stay in MS is truly what sets them apart from others.
I've been a volunteer with DFM for several years. Diagnosed with Type I in 1960, I've witnessed many benefits provided by DFM to individuals with diabetes and their families also. DFM provides educational information to families after being diagnosed, many times while still in hospital. Each year DFM provides a camp for children with diabetes which is staffed by drs and nurses so the parents know their child is being cared for. Annually, DFM hosts a "Super Conference" with experts from all over the USA making presentations to everyone interested in learning how to improve diabetes management. Vendors are on hand to show new items and answer questions. Also, annually they provide one or more continuing education programs for diabetes health care professionals. Throughout the year, diabetes educations programs are conducted to schools, colleges, fire departments, law enforcement and civic groups. DFM assists the needy in securing insulin and testing supplies and has recently added the allert dogs to this list. DFM is made up primarly of volunteers which enables about 90% of funds raised to go directly toward benefiting people with diabetes in Mississippi. Thank you for allowing me to provide a review. Frank Cockerham
I am from a family where diabetes and cardiovascular disease runs rampant. I moved to Mississippi 11 years ago and saw the tremendous burden of Diabetes in communities across the state. Both adults and children were affected. I later went on to lead the Medicaid Program for the State of Mississippi as Executive Director. When I needed additional resources for my beneficiaries, the ONLY entity in the state that I could consistently count on was the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. After leaving the Medicaid Program, I joined the Board of Directors of the Foundation. I returned to the University of Mississippi Medical Center and founded an Institute focused on eliminating Health Disparities across the state. Through the Institute, we have funded many successful projects with the Diabetes Foundation. The most significant project is the Annual Superconference which brings together hundreds of lay people from across the state to find out what is new on learning to prevent and live with if necessary Diabetes. In addtiona, I've found that the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is the ONLY organization addressing Diabetes in which 100% of funds remain in the state to help the people of Mississippi. As a funder, I've found that critically important. Finally, the fiscal prudence of the Diabetes Foundaton's staff is beyond reproach! I will continue to support their tremendous efforts in any way I can.
