Camp Kandu, Where Kids with Diabetes "Kandu" Anything

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is unique for many reaons. We are unique in that every dollar raised stays in the state. We are unique because we are the only nonprofit diabetes organization that works directly for Mississippians of all ages with type and type 2 diabetes.

This weekend was Camp Kandu where we provided a weekend of fun, excitement and education for over 100 parents and kids with diabetes. We had Lillie Grace (5) assisting Kelli (5) with her blood sugar. Lillie Grace did not understand why Kelli did not know how to do it on her own. We had Sadie (3 and a half) singing at breakfast, "You Are My Sunshine!" It was a beautiful weekend with much laughter and bonding as families came together to make new friends and learn to live well with diabetes. These are the things which make the DFM unique.

Striking a Pose for a Good Cause

On March 26, the Diabetes Foundation hosted its annual Ultimate Fashion Show and Champagne Brunch at the Country Club of Jackson. Bringing friendly faces and the most fashionable styles together, the Ultimate Fashion Show was the talk of the town!

More important than the beautiful clothes, delicious quiche, fabulous giveaways and gorgeous spring weather, though, is that so many people come out to show their support for the DFM and its dedication to helping make Mississippi a healthier place.

So, not only was the Ultimate Fashion a big hit on the runway, but behind
the scenes, as well. Somewhere in Mississippi, a family is learning how to test their child's blood sugar on the new meter provided to them by the DFM. Somewhere in Mississippi, a child's school has an emergency preparedness box to help them prevent diabetes emergencies. Somewhere in Mississippi, an individual with nowhere to turn grabs the helping hand of the DFM and receives life-saving medications. All across Mississippi, people are being screened for diabetes and are being sent risk tests and other diabetes literature, because until there's a cure, education is needed for today.

Thank you, Mississippi, for supporting the DFM and, more importantly, for extending a hand to your neighbors in need.

Tales of Conferences, Balls and Screenings Aplenty

Time flies around here.

The year began with a gigantic diabetes Super Conference, stacked with stellar speakers, a sold-out crowd, cooking demonstrations and representatives from several of the nation's leading pharmaceutical and medical companies.

February began with the Foundation's Mardi Gras gala, the annual Bacchus Ball. A Creole cocktail buffet, Motown music, fabulous live and silent auctions and the largest crowd to date made the Bacchus Ball not only great fun, but also a large success.

And here we are in March. And what a month it will be. Mid-March marks the beginning of the Foundation's awareness campaign, Diabetes Discovery Week, during which time the Foundation distributes literature, conducts health fairs and screenings and participates in several other efforts to identify the 115,000 Mississippians who live with undiagnosed diabetes.

Hattiesburg will be having its own Diabetes Health and Awareness Day on March 26. There will be blood-glucose screenings, informative sessions on everything from basic diabetes 101 to insulin-pump therapy. For more information on this day of diabetes awareness, call 601-579-7790.

The 22nd-annual 'Car for a Cure' giveaway also takes place March 26. Tickets for the 2009 Honda Civic LX Coupe are on sale now and may be purchased either online at www.msdiabetes.org at by calling 1-877-DFM-CURE.

Also on March 26 will be the DFM's Ultimate Fashion Show and Champagne Brunch, featuring colorful spring fashions for men, women and children. Held at the Country Club of Jackson from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Fashion Show will benefit the Foundation's Camp Kandu for children with diabetes. For ticket information, call 1-877-DFM-CURE.

Busy schedules are typical of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, but we wouldn't have it any other way. Call if you need us, and stay posted for what inevitably will be an equally busy April.