The Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Community Consortium (SC3), are set to host the 5th Annual 24-hour global event in honor of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, 2024. This virtual marathon, running from 12:00 am EST to 11:59 pm EST, aims to unite participants worldwide, highlighting the global significance of sickle cell disease.
This event is an important platform for raising awareness about sickle cell disease and the sickle cell trait. Executive Director of Cayenne Wellness Center, Carolyn Rowley, emphasized that the marathon offers an opportunity to educate and support individuals and families affected by this condition. “Our World Sickle Cell Day marathon is an opportunity to raise global awareness about sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, and to provide education and support for individuals and families affected by this condition,” stated Rowley.
In addition to raising awareness, the event aims to showcase the talents within the sickle cell community. This year’s marathon will feature educational content infused with entertainment elements, including a gaming segment led by "PHILSpecialMeter" on the Twitch platform. The gaming segment has an objective of generating $7,000 in seven days for the Cayenne Wellness Center. Both the Cayenne Wellness Center and the Sickle Cell Community Consortium are currently welcoming online donations.
Dr. Lakiea Bailey, Executive Director of SC3, highlighted the theme for this year’s event, "Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally." She said, “The 24-hour Sickle Cell-A-Thon is a wonderful opportunity to learn about sickle cell disease and to hear from sickle cell patients and caregivers worldwide. This community is vibrant, engaging, funny, and powerful.”
The event underscores the resilience and strength of the sickle cell community and aims to rally global support for enhanced sickle cell care. As such, it serves as a critical platform for advocacy, education, and community building, fostering a greater understanding and empathy for those affected by sickle cell disease.
Registration for the 2024 24-Hour Sickle Cell-A-Thon is now open. For more information and to register, visit https://www.sicklecellday.com.
