National Campaign For Sickle Cell Awareness Seeks Change

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 26 Aug 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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On Saturday, September 20th hundreds of people across the USA will join Honorary Chairs Gloria Lawlah, Pat Lawson Muse, Rene Nash, Delegate Jay Walker and many more to help find a cure for Sickle Cell Disease. Walkers will be walking in unity with the historic National Walk to Stomp Out Sickle Cell Disease held in Washington, DC. Walks will also be held in Central Park (New York City), SCTPNWALK2008 (NY), Norfolk State (VA), Memphis (TN), Florida, Missouri, Louisiana, North & South Carolina and a host of other states. The goal is to have at least one person walking in every state and change the way Sickle Cell Awareness is addressed. While a majority of the walks will be on September 20, 2008 other walks such as the Bobby Engram Foundation walk and the Pennsylvania Sickle Cell Walk will be held on August 31st and September 28th, respectively.

The National Stomp Out Sickle Cell Walk 2008 is being coordinated by a collaboration of institutions, community services and Sickle Cell Awareness Organizations:

Children's National Medical Center (CNMC) - Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, DC DOH/ CHA/ Sickle Cell Program, District of Columbia Greater Access to Pediatric Sickle Cell Services - Howard University, Faces of Our Children, Inc., Georgetown University Hospital Div. of Ped. Hematology/Oncology, Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Howard University Hospital, Lauren D. Beck Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc., Sickle Cell Association of the National Capital Area, Inc.

Sickle Cell Disease, often called Sickle Cell Anemia or just "sickle cell," is an inherited condition that affects hemoglobin within the red blood cells. The presence of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) leads to the formation of crescent or sickle-shaped cells that are rigid and sticky and which tend to occlude (clog or close up) small blood vessels. Depending on the organ involved, this occlusion leads to episodes of pain, death of tissue and serious complications.

While currently there is no cure for Sickle Cell Disease there are a variety of options available. One of our goals for the walk is to get as much information and education about the Sickle Cell trait. Sickle Cell Disease does not just affect African Americans; it affects different races and ethnic groups.

While current sponsors Commerce Bank, SchemeMag, YMCA Potomac Overlook, East Hill Video, 3VDesign Group, The Power Mag and KRJ Consulting, Children's Advocacy Institute and CNMC have been very supportive, more sponsors are needed to raise awareness. The goal is to have 10,000 people walking across the country and raise $10 million collectively to help with support groups and research.

For more information about these walks, to donate or to sponsor or sign up for your virtual walk, please join us at http://www.soswalk.org. Every donation, walker and volunteer is needed. Walkers are encouraged to take control of their fundraising effort by creating their own online fundraising page, and joining us on LinkedIn as well as Facebook.

http://www.soswalk.org