Mississippi, a non-profit group and a Meridian family to host the Walk for Diabetes event

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) – A nonprofit and a local Mississippi family teamed up to host a diabetes awareness walk in Meridian on Sunday.

The Mississippi Diabetes Foundation and the Warren family hosted a Mississippi Walk for Diabetes to help other families in need and raise awareness of the disease.

Hannah Byrd, public relations and marketing coordinator with the foundation, said they host these events all over the state.

“Mississippi has a lot of people living with diabetes here. We’re always in the top one or two in the country, so we wanted to help people here. A lot of people have type 1 and type 2, they are growing both in our state and nationally,” Byrd said.

The foundation partnered with the Warren family to host the event when their son Zane was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in June 2021.

“Well, when he was diagnosed, they sent home a bag, a ton of information, all kinds of stuff to help us get started. It was a huge help because we knew what we needed. , we didn’t know, especially those first few months. So it’s a great thing for this foundation to help all these families get started,” said Mara Warren, Zane’s mother.

Participant Sonya Scarbrough said her close friend’s experience with the disease inspired her to walk in the event.

“My best friend’s son has type 1 diabetes and just being there and encouraging him. Being there during his diabetic commas and overcoming it. He was just walking here, so here we are,” Scarbrough said.

Jayda Johnson was another participant who enjoyed walking and supporting those close to her heart.

“I like to go for walks with my dad and he has diabetes and some people in my family have diabetes. I love this community and they gave us medals,” Johnson said.

Zane Warren was grateful to everyone who participated in the Walk for Diabetes.

“Thank you for supporting diabetes,” said Zane Warren.

The foundation said about 200 people donated in person and online.

If you would like to know how you can donate, please visit Mississippi Diabetes Foundation website.

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