Listen up world, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is rampant in our communities and we need to do better job to raise awareness. Our children need better options for a cure and for treatment. Research regarding this blood disorder needs more funding. Can you believe that this disorder was first discovered in 1910 and we now have more patients with sickle cell than ever before. A change needs to take place. Let us gather together and make a difference as a whole, for we were silent about its affects on our offspring for far too long. Now, we are reaping the aftermath of not teaching every generation that when two people carry the sickle cell trait they may pass along a potentially deadly disease to their children. Stand up and let your voices be heard. Shout it out from the mountain tops that we need better treatment options, more compassionate and knowledgeable doctors. Ask your friends, family, and co-workers to donate blood because one of the greatest tangible needs among sickle cell patients is blood. This may be an invisible illness but the pain is abundant and we have to do something about it, NOW!
Everyday when I see someone has passed away prematurely from SCD, I am brought to tears. We need everyone to make a difference. One voice among many becomes a shout we are united.
It was a beautiful warm summer day, and my family and I attended the Stomp Out Sickle Cell 5k Walk on the National Mall in DC. The location was fabulous and we were united in our cause, but no outside media was present and there were not many booths. Where were our supporters? Where were people who are fighting this disease in other ethnic groups? Where were our friends and loved ones to give blood? If we want to raise awareness, we have to be diligent about getting the word out, we cannot do it alone.
Highlights for the Stomp Out Sickle Cell 5k Walk on the National Mall in DC
We had a beautiful view along our walk, which gave us a great since of hope and importance.
It’s always great to be able to meet people who are passionate about the same cause. I meet two wonderful ladies who produce I.d.e.a.l a magazine about individuals with disabilities!
My kids were there supporting the cause as well, learning how to be leaders at events like these in the future. Teach them about fighting for their passion, while they are young.
You could hear the passion in Dr. Emily Meier’s voice when she spoke about sickle cell disease.
Thank you Dr. Meier for all of your work at Children’s National Health System.
I can wait to see what future breakthroughs are discovered through genome.gov
One of the most lively groups of the day. It was hot, but Zuumba helped take all the stress away!
Zuumba time made us feel empowered and energized.
Health and Fitness 4 You brought out a nice size crowd.
Health and Fitness 4 You represented well.
Omega Psi Phi Eta Delta Delta, men from a George Mason fraternity were there as well volunteering with ArtSpeaks and the William E. Proudford Foundation.
Karen Proudford from the William E. Proudford Foundation and Art Speaks and Angela Mason, one of the SOS Walk Committee Members.
Mr. Donald Cash, the man himself who had the vision for the Stomp Out Sickle Cell 5k. Thank you for paving the way, and raising awareness in a gigantic way!
After today, I feel energized that our awareness can’t stop in September, it must continue.