For many years, the Washington metropolitan area sickle cell community voiced interest in having a walk, but no one group was able to coordinate it by themselves. In 2007, several community-based groups and medical institutions came together to sponsor and promote the First Annual Stomp Out Sickle Cell Walk. Through the hard, unified work of several organizations, the First Annual Stomp Out Sickle Cell Walk was held on September 18, 2007. Over the years, over 1000 walkers have participated in this collaborative effort. I was very excited to join my friend and survivor of sickle cell, Jamila, and her team (Team Jamila's Survivors) for the fifth annual walk this year. All proceeds benefited the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease and Faces of Our Children, Inc.
Faces of Our Children, Inc. is dedicated to raising awareness, support and funding for the fight against sickle cell disease worldwide in cooperation with the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease through the development and delivery of educational programs and materials via the internet and mass media at work sites and schools and through community-based organizations that will help effectuate progressive public policy and increase both government and corporate funding in order to significantly improve the lives of families with sickle cell disease and ultimately eliminate this deadly disease that afflicts not only people of color but people from India, Greece, Italy, the Middle East, South and Central American and the Caribbean.
Thank you, Jamila, for inviting me, raising awareness and being a powerful voice for survivors!
Wow, what an inspiring story! What a wonderful cause to be a part of and raise awareness about. I went to college with a friend who suffered from sickle cell. I often wonder about her and how she is doing now.
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