Auburn Students Launched Touchdowns for Diabetes Campaign
High school seniors Pearl Simmons and A.K. Jackson are collecting pledges to support local diabetes care initiatives.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Diabetes
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Auburn High School seniors Pearl Simmons and A.K. Jackson have launched a charitable campaign called Touchdowns for Diabetes. The effort collects pledges based on football performance to benefit local health organizations.
Why it matters
The fundraiser directly supports patients living with Type 1 diabetes in the local community. It provides essential resources for the EAMC Foundation and the East Alabama Health Diabetes and Nutrition Center.
The campaign supports residents diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, such as Ellie Ann Jackson, who received her diagnosis at age 10. The funds raised stay within the Auburn-Opelika area to benefit local medical facilities.
The players
Pearl Simmons
Pearl Simmons is a senior at Auburn High School and a co-founder of the Touchdowns for Diabetes fundraising initiative.
A.K. Jackson
A.K. Jackson is a senior at Auburn High School and a co-founder of the Touchdowns for Diabetes fundraising initiative.
EAMC Foundation
The EAMC Foundation is a regional organization that oversees charitable contributions to support healthcare services and medical programs.
East Alabama Health's Diabetes and Nutrition Center
This facility provides specialized clinical care, education, and management support for patients diagnosed with diabetes.
Ellie Ann Jackson
Ellie Ann Jackson is an individual living with Type 1 diabetes who was first diagnosed at age 10.
The details
Donors can contribute through one-time gifts or by pledging specific amounts for every touchdown or interception recorded by the students during the 2026 football season. Campaign logistics, including outreach and processing, are managed by the mothers of the two high school seniors.
Timeline
The Touchdowns for Diabetes campaign is active throughout the 2026 season.
The Big Picture
This initiative follows the model of community-integrated philanthropy supporting East Alabama Health's Diabetes and Nutrition Center. By connecting athletic performance to medical support, the campaign bridges gaps in private funding for local health resources.
Community members can participate in the fundraiser through tax-deductible gifts or by pledging money for specific player stats. These contributions provide direct support for patients accessing care at the local Diabetes and Nutrition Center.
The takeaway
This student-led campaign demonstrates how local high school athletics can effectively mobilize community resources for chronic disease support. Residents can contribute to the cause throughout the football season to assist neighbors managing Type 1 diabetes.
What happens next
The fundraising campaign will continue to track touchdowns and interceptions throughout the remainder of the 2026 season.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in our Diabetes section.
More information
To review donation options or make a gift, visit the Touchdowns for Diabetes donation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Opelika Observer.
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