The 2022 T-shirt design for Mississippi’s Walk for Diabetes encouraged supporters to walk together to raise awareness and funds for diabetes patients in the state.

The David and Paige Rawson family will serve as the Honorary Walk Chair Family when the Meridian Walk for Diabetes kicks off Sunday, Oct. 15, at Bonita Lakes park.

The walk will offer fun festivities for the entire family. Registration and activities will begin at 1 p.m. with the 1-mile fun run/walk and 3-mile walk starting at 2 p.m.

The Meridian walk is one of several events taking place around the state as part of this year’s Mississippi’s Walk for Diabetes campaign. Walks are also planned in Hattiesburg on Oct. 22, Columbus on Oct. 29 and Oxford on Nov. 12. One was held in Jackson earlier this month.

Participants are encouraged to form a team with their family, friends, co-workers, classmates, sports teams, Sunday school class or civic groups and come out and walk to bring attention to diabetes awareness.

Many Mississippian kids and adults count on the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi to help them manage their diabetes, according to a foundation press release. The foundation provides newly diagnosed children and adults with information appropriate to their age, teaches school personnel to care for students with diabetes, and assists people struggling with the new economic realities with life-sustaining medications and supplies.

One hundred percent of donations raised by Walk for Diabetes stays in the state to fund educational and assistance programs for Mississippi adults and children who have type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as Camp Kandu, a camp for children with diabetes, according to the foundation.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a tailgate chair, cooler, sunscreen, water bottle and comfortable walking shoes to the Diabetes Walk. Individuals with diabetes are encouraged to bring emergency supplies, and medical personnel are expected to be present. Teams are allowed to bring tents to set up prior to the walk.

To register for the Meridian Walk for Diabetes or to receive team captain information, call the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi at 601-957-7878, visit online at msdiabetes.org or register the day of the event at the registration table. Participates can also pay their donation amount online or at the registration table. The suggested minimum donation for adults is $25 and $10 for children, but larger amounts are accepted. Participants raising $50 will receive a T-shirt.