In 1978 her father the late Kagingo was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. His foot was amputated due to diabetic foot and and lived until July 9th  2006. Later in 1992, Jalia was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and lived until November 25th 2021. She was only 63 at the time of her demise.

Two of her sibling were also diagnosed with diabetes and are struggling with the disease. Jalia Kagingo believed in helping others and lived as an activist for causes she believed in. She always voluntarily helped the less fortunate.

For her friends, colleagues and family – Kagingo was a true inspiration. Although she was a single mother, Jalia Kagingo had integrity, self-discipline, and great strength of character. She always spoke up for what she felt was right and she fought for her beliefs with determination and dignity.

In addition, she believed in the power of a connected community — to support each other and share vital health information, focus on care, education and prevention of diseases especially diabetes.

These are the qualities that inspire the JK Diabetes Foundation. Creating the Foundation is a challenging but rewarding process. We want to do so much in Jalia’s name, and we want to honor her memory with a legacy of contribution and loving care for all people living with or at risk of diabetes. Through the work of the Foundation, we hope to help others live better lives.