Top fundraiser earns the honor of kissing a pig, celebrating the history of insulin treatment
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is proud to once again host the Kiss a Pig Gala in New Orleans on July 25, bringing together local business leaders, advocates and supporters for an evening dedicated to advancing the fight to end diabetes.
Time and date: Saturday, July 25 at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Four Seasons New Orleans
Support a candidate and learn more: diabetes.org/kapnola
The annual black-tie fundraiser celebrates the history of insulin treatment while raising critical funds to support diabetes research, education, and advocacy programs. Before the insulin we know now, millions of lives relied on insulin from animals, including pigs.
Kiss a Pig will feature 16 community nominees who compete in a spirited fundraising campaign leading up to the gala. The candidate who raises the most funds earns the title of top fundraiser and the opportunity to kiss a pig during the event’s signature moment. Proceeds from the event help fund critical diabetes research, advocacy, and education, all aimed at improving the lives of people with diabetes.
“For the past five years, the incredible support of our Kiss a Pig candidates, sponsors and gala attendees has been nothing short of inspiring. Their generosity and commitment to advancing the ADA’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of everyone affected by diabetes, brings us one step closer to a future free from diabetes and all its burdens. We are incredibly grateful for this community's passion and dedication, and I’m thrilled to celebrate another unforgettable evening,” said Jeanne McKay, the ADA’s Louisiana executive director.
Approximately 542,000 adults in Louisiana, or 13.9% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes. Every year, an estimated 42,000 adults in Louisiana are diagnosed with diabetes.
This year's Kiss a Pig gala will feature distinguished community leaders and advocates who are helping advance the fight to end diabetes.
2026 Honorary Chair: Cindy Pazos
Cindy Pazos founded and operated a diabetes supply company for 24 years, dedicating her career to supporting people living with diabetes.
2026 Mission Speaker: Kyle Banks
Kyle Banks was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2015 during his tenure as a performer in the Broadway production of Disney's The Lion King. Kyle will share his personal journey living with diabetes and the impact of the ADA’s mission.
This year’s event is made possible thanks to Dasani, HUB, and Spencer Fane.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes—and we’re not stopping. There are over 155 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
