Sickle Cell Disease is a deadly disease that plagues us as a whole and predominately the African American community. Sickle Cell disease causes severe pain episodes as well as many major medical problems. Lung tissue damage, stroke, blood blockage to major organs such as the kidneys, liver and even the spleen can be some of the negative outcomes. It is estimated by the Sickle Cell Disease Association that 70,000 people have sickle cell disease and about 1000 babies are born with it each year. According to SCDAA the life expectancy is now in mid 40 years of range. Let's think about this for a moment...to die by your mid 40's. For many American's it is in mid 40's that we just begin to enjoy the fruits of our life labor such as an established career and raising a family. Unfortunately, in many cases this dreadful disease has robbed many of simple life pleasures that many of us without the disease take for granted.
A close friend of mine has the sickle cell trait and I have seen the impact on her life by just having the trait.
My son's best friend has sickle cell disease and it is heart drenching to see a child go through so much. He has had numerous blood transfusions, numerous surgeries, repeated pain episodes, hospitalized 7 times this past year and he is only 11.
I believe that we as a community are all connected, directly or indirectly. Therefore, we have a level of responsibility to one another. In establishing both of my businesses, Outreach Property Management and Outreach School of Real Estate I was sure to abide by my foundational principle of giving back to the community by securing a solid Economic foundation. An Economic foundation is not just financial but it is about the quality of life. Over the years of serving my community I have seen first hand how poor health and disease can ravage our community unless corrective action takes place.
I was asked why I am honored to be an Honorary Chair for the Sickle Cell walk-a-thon, the answer is simple, I care. We need to bring about a constant awareness about the disease, the traits, as we continue to our quest for the cure.
Roberta A. Hoskie-Graham
click on this link for Sickle Cell Walkathon registration and information http://tomficklin.blogspot.com/2010/09/please-join-sickle-cell-disease.html
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