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JenOni

#africanamericans

My Inspiration: September-St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Aug 31, 2015

What inspires you to make a difference?  I am always inspired whenever there is an opportunity to support a great CAUSE!    If you need a reason to lace up your running or walking footwear, mark your calendars in September!

Are you familiar with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital?   When I think of St. Jude I only associated the institution with research for childhood cancer.   After participating in this awareness campaign,  I learned that St. Jude has one of the largest sickle cell disease programs in the country with more than 800 patients.  St. Jude was the first institution to cure sickle cell disease with a bone marrow transplant in the 1980s.   During my first pregnancy,  I remember my OB/GYN ordered my blood work and suggested the blood screen for the sickle cell trait.   I am not a carrier of the trait however I learned a very close friend carries the trait.  It made me realize those affected are closer than we may realize.   Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder affecting red blood cells that can cause anemia, pain, organ damage and even death.    The disease affects one in 500 African-Americans and some people of Hispanic, Mediterranean and Native American descent.

St. Jude and Sickle Cell Disease

On June 19th, 2008, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution to recognize sickle cell disease as a public health concern.   From this assembly, June 19th is now World Sickle Cell Day and September is designated as Sickle Cell Awareness month.   In 2011, St. Jude led a national study that showed the same drug used to treat adults with sickle cell disease was effective with infants and toddlers.   The drug, hydroxyurea reduced the number of hospitalizations and alleviated other symptoms in younger patients.   St. Jude received the first grant for sickle cell disease research before the hospital was opened.  Another significant highlight for St. Jude was developing a nationally recognized program for teenagers to assist with managing the disease as they transition to adulthood and non-pediatric healthcare professionals.

If you are familiar with BET’s Sunday Best  you know finalist Latice Crawford.  On Friday, June 19th, Latice Crawford, performed at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.   Crawford, who carries the sickle cell trait, sang her latest single “Look at Yourself Again” for patients and staff.   St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has one of the largest sickle cell disease programs in the country.

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photo credit: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

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photo credit: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provides families with services at no cost for treatments, travel, housing and food.  Please visit the link to learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

HOW CAN YOU HELP TO RAISE MONEY FOR THIS AMAZING RESEARCH INSTITUION?   September is Sickle Cell Awareness month and Childhood Cancer Awareness month, there are 58 St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer events across the US during the month of September.

How do you encourage your friends and family to get involved?  There are 2 reasons to encourage family and friends to get involved 1)  inspired to raise money for this amazing research institution 2) a fun way to engage family and friends in a fitness activity for a worthy cause!!!  Get involved and register for an event in your respective area! St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer

If you are in Pennsylvania, there are 3 events:
Capital City Mall, Camp Hill, PA – September 26
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA – September 19
Frick Park, Pittsburgh, PA – September 26

Drop me an email cocoamommy@gmail.com if you decide to join an event in your area!

Filed Under: Fitness, My Inspiration Tagged With: #africanamericans, #inspiration, #sicklecelldisease, #stjudechildrensresearchhospital, Fitness, September

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