Sickle
Cell Walk Increases Awareness, Raises Funds
--Hundreds walk, run to raise funds for worthy
cause--- |
For Immediate Release
March
3, 2006
Contact:
Charesse Chester & Associates, Inc.
(305)
944-7564
MIAMI-DADE—Hundreds
of people gathered at Dolphins Stadium to raise funds
for Sickle Cell disease recently. Many of the
participants represented organizations, churches,
schools or a family member.
“My family has always been challenged with
this disease. I am getting tested to know if
I have it. I also want to support the cause,” said
Marc Smith, 39, a member of the Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity.
Smith like others has been directly affected by
Sickle Cell disease and supports the Miami-Dade Chapter
of Sickle Cell Disease’s mission to spread
the word and encourage other African-Americans to
get screened.
“Getting screened is the first step,” said Dr.
Astrid Mack, President of the Miami Dade County
Chapter of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. “Our
organization aims to increase awareness and support
families affected by the disease.”
The interest in making a difference was evident
at all ages.
“I wanted to participate so I can help the
people with the disease,” said Edmond Duvall,
13, a student at Silver Trail Middle and a member
of the 100 Black Men of South Florida Leadership
Academy. “I can help this organization
find the resources and treatment it needs to make
the lives of other better.”
Participants raised $11,000 for the event.
Sickle Cell disease is an inherited, chronic blood
disorder that affects 72,000 Americans. Nationwide,
the sickle cell trait is present in 1 out of 12 African-Americans
and 1 of 30 Hispanics. In Miami-Dade County, it is
estimated that 2,500 people are living with the disease.
Established in 1978, the Miami-Dade County Chapter
of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America provides
services to people affected by the chronic blood
disorder. It also advocates for effective and sensitive
medical treatments, increased funding for research,
and improved direct services to sickle cell patients.
The 100 Black Men of South Florida, Inc. is
a not-for-profit organization that provides health
and wellness, economic development, education and
mentoring programs to children and their families. For
more information on the 100, please visit www.100blackmensf.org
Dolphins Stadium and Assurant Solutions were sponsors
of the event.
 Download
a copy of this press release here.
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