Participants in a previous Walk for Diabetes Walk prepare to cut the ribbon to kick off the event on the Ole Miss campus. Photo courtesy Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, along with student pharmacist organization Prescription for Service, kicks off National Diabetes Awareness Month on Sunday (Nov. 4) with the Mississippi Walk for Diabetes, a fundraiser for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.
Registration will begin at 1 p.m. by the Lyceum, with team pictures taking place at 1:10 p.m. Family-friendly competitions and a short program will begin around 1:30 p.m. before the ribbon cutting and walk begin at 2 p.m. Two routes on the Ole Miss campus will be available, with 1- and 2-mile options.
“I am looking forward to seeing so many people from the university and Oxford come together for a common purpose: to recognize and support those in our community affected by diabetes,” said Kristen Hollingsworth, second-year student pharmacist from Yazoo City and president of Prescription for Service.
“I hope that walk participants leave with a deeper understanding of the impact diabetes has on our community and state. When we stand together for greater awareness and support those affected by diabetes, we can truly make a difference in Mississippi.”
Similar walks occur across Mississippi each fall, and this is the 22nd year for the Oxford event. This year’s walk will honor the memory of the late Mart Chandler, an Oxford endocrinologist who cared for many diabetes patients in the community, and Anne Marie Liles, who was the pharmacy school’s director of experiential affairs and clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice.
Anne Marie Liles
Liles, a Type 1 diabetes patient herself, championed for diabetes awareness and served as coordinator for Oxford’s Walk for Diabetes for many years. Lauren Bloodworth, clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice, said she’s honored to serve as the school’s representative to help carry on Liles’ commitment to improving the lives of diabetes patients.
“I am passionate about caring for our diabetes population and empowering each person to control their disease,” said Bloodworth, who works professionally with diabetes patients. “Given her personal experience with diabetes, Dr. Liles was a strong advocate for raising diabetes awareness and used her clinical skills to help others manage their disease.
“It is a special honor to follow Dr. Liles in this service role and continue the ‘Liles Legacy,’ supporting those with diabetes.”
To register for the walk, individuals can visit https://msdiabetes.org/events/walks or the Oxford’s Walk for Diabetes page on https://www.crowdrise.com. Donations from nonparticipants are also welcomed.
The School of Pharmacy has created a scholarship in Liles’ honor that will be given to a rising fourth-year student pharmacist who has demonstrated a strong desire for community service in the first three years of the professional program. Donations may be made to the scholarship at the UM Foundation.