LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS JOIN FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES>

Hattiesburg – Sam Britton and Robin Robinson have long been involved in the Hattiesburg community as civic leaders and representatives of their respective companies.

Aside from both being business leaders in the same town, it would seem that the similarities stop there.

Now, though, both have joined the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) and legions of Mississippians around the state to support the cause of fighting and defeating diabetes – one of the state’s leading causes of death.

As it turns out, Britton and Robinson have a common passion – diabetes education and awareness.

For Robinson, director of organizational development and corporate communication at Sanderson Farms, diabetes is not just another chronic disease – it is an inherent part of her family tree.

“Diabetes is part of my family,” she said. “My mother, father and grandparents all have diabetes.”

While she does not have diabetes, Robinson understands the risks, which is why she believes that helping people better understand diabetes is a necessity to preventing a diabetes epidemic.

Britton, who is senior manager at Horne LLP, does not have diabetes either, and his family
history is absent of the disease.

However, living in a state with 346,500 Mississippians diagnosed with diabetes and another 110,000 Mississippians unknowingly living with diabetes, he realizes that if there’s any chance of helping Mississippians live longer, healthier lives, education is a first step.

“Diabetes is a disease that people can do something about, unlike so many other diseases,” Britton said. “There’s so much that we can do to have a direct impact on people both now and in the long run. It starts with educating Mississippians about preventative measures.”

In steps the DFM – the state’s only nonprofit health organization that provides diabetes research, educational programs, patient services and advocacy. The mission of the DFM is to provide hope through life-saving medical supplies, research, educational programs and services to Mississippians of all ages who have diabetes.

“Education builds awareness, which tremendously affects the lives of so many,” Britton said.

Britton and Robinson are both honorary chairs for Mississippi’s Walk for Diabetes, which will be held in Hattiesburg on Sunday, Sept. 30. The walk, which is a one-mile family fun walk or a 3.1/5k, has registration at 1 p.m., with the walk immediately following.

“I want to be involved in the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi’s efforts to educate citizens so we can overcome type 2 diabetes if we put preventative measures into place, such as eating right and exercising. My motivation is that we are living in the state with the highest percentage of people with diabetes,” Robinson said. “It’s time for a change.”

Britton and Robinson’s mutual goal to help eradicate diabetes has led them to the Walk for Diabetes, where each will participate with friends, family members and co-workers.

Walk with Hattiesburg community leaders Britton, Robinson and others on Sept. 30 at the University of Southern Mississippi Longleaf Walking Trail by calling 1-877-DFM-CURE or visiting the DFM’s Web site, www.msdiabetes.org.

“As long as there’s a Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, I’ll be there helping raise awareness,” Britton said. “I anticipate continuing to go forward in the fight to defeat diabetes.”