September
is Sickle Cell Awareness Month
and this year marks the 100th
anniversary of the discovery
of the sickle cell. Families
and friends from Children’s
National Medical Center, Georgetown
University Hospital, National
Institutes of Health, Faces
of our Children, Inc., and
the Sickle Cell Association
of the National Capital Area,
Inc. will walk with Howard
University to promote awareness,
advocacy and education about
Sickle Cell Disease. Author
and Food Network host “Chef
Jeff” Henderson will
also participate to promote
the cause.
Sickle cell
disease is a blood disorder
that affects the red blood
cells. The abnormal hemoglobin
in these cells can cause them
to take sickle or crescent
shape, which can block small
blood vessels. The blockage
means a decrease of blood
reaching tissue which leads
to the complications in sickle
cell disease. The disease
is inherited when both parents
have the sickle cell trait,
or if one parent has the disease
and another has the trait.
It is estimated that about
2 million people in the United
States have the trait, while
about 100,000 have the disease.
There is no cure for sickle
cell, but there have been
advances in treatment.
Registration
is now open, and individuals
can sign up individually or
with a group for $15 per person.
The money raised will benefit
local and national service
organizations to provide case
management, education, and
counseling programs to those
affected by Sickle Cell Disease.
Throughout the year, sickle
cell groups around the country
are sponsoring events, advocating
for sickle cell and raising
awareness about this disease
that still affects tens of
thousands of Americans. With
more awareness, education
and research, we hope that
before another 100 years pass,
a universal cure can be found
to help those living with
sickle cell disease.
About Howard University
Howard University is a private,
research university that is
comprised of 12 schools and
colleges. Founded in 1867,
students pursue studies in
more than 120 areas leading
to undergraduate, graduate
and professional degrees.
Since 1998, the University
has produced two Rhodes Scholars,
two Truman Scholar, a Marshall
Scholar, 21 Fulbright Scholars
and 11 Pickering Fellows.
Howard also produces more
on campus African-American
Ph.D. recipients than any
other university in the United
States. For more information
on Howard University, call
202-238-2330, or visit the
University’s Web site
at www.howard.edu.
For more information on the
Stomp Out Sickle Cell 5K Walk/Run,
please visit www.soswalk.org
###
DeAnne
Bradley, media relations intern,
contributed to this release.
