The BTSSCC 3rd Annual Sickle Cell Warrior Walk/Run 5K is not just another fundraiser or 5K; for me it's personal.

I am a part of the 1 in 13 African Americans who is a sickle cell trait carrier. Unfortunately, like many of the other 3 million Americans who carry this trait, I didn't know it. Subsequently, I and my son's father, both unknowingly passed this trait to our son, who was born with sickle cell disease (SCD).

SCD is one of the most common, painful, inherited blood conditions that disproportionately affects minority populations. In addition to causing chronic pain, SCD can also cause anemia, organ damage, stroke, and even death. Despite the devastating impacts SCD can have on one's life and family, many people are still unaware of their own sickle cell carrier status; not knowing can lead to having a child with SCD when both parents are SCD trait carriers.

Our organization strives to fill in the gaps for families impacted by SCD. Over this past year, to help keep a focus on the importance of
community sickle cell disease and trait awareness, we developed strategic partnerships with organizations that can help to increase the number of individuals knowledgeable about sickle cell
carrier status and help de-stigmatize the topic of sickle cell disease in the community.

The Sickle Cell Warrior Walk/Run 5K is our annual fundraiser and your donation helps to defray the cost of organizing the event, supports the foundation's sickle cell community outreach activities, and helps to increase the number of people who are knowledgeable about their sickle cell trait status. This important and vital piece of health information allows individuals to make informed healthcare and family planning decisions.

Successful advocacy to help improve health disparities that exist within the sickle cell community and make a difference to help break the cycle of sickle cell disease requires support and partnerships from all members of the community. Can we count on you to join us and "Run 4 Sickle Cell"?