World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is approaching on June 19, a day dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood disorder that primarily affects those of African and Latin/Hispanic descent. In the U. S. alone, around 100,000 people have sickle cell disease, with about 600 to 700 cases in Delaware. To increase recognition of the disease, organizations and medical providers will be participating in the “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign by lighting their buildings red.
ChristianaCare and the Sickle Cell Association of Delaware are working together to increase knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease, aiming to make it as commonly discussed and understood as other health conditions like COVID or HIV. Taking care of individuals with sickle cell disease requires collaborative efforts from everyone involved, including medical professionals, community organizations, and the general public.
In addition to raising awareness, efforts to support those living with sickle cell disease will also be taking place, such as a blood drive hosted by the Sickle Cell Association of Delaware at Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church on June 19. While treatment options for sickle cell disease have historically been limited, recent advancements in gene-editing technology offer hope for more effective solutions in the future.
As World Sickle Cell Awareness Day approaches, it is important for individuals to learn about the differences between sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease, as well as to show support for those living with this condition. Five celebrities who lived with sickle cell disease, including King Tut and musician Miles Davis, serve as examples of the impact of this disease on individuals throughout history.
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Photo credit www.delawareonline.com
