Local group find a unique way to raise awareness for Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Warriors

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – The CDC reports about 100,000 people in the United States are affected by Sickle cell disease, and more than 90% are non-Black or African American. One local organization is aiming to shed light on the warriors who fight it daily.

Shanda Ward founded the Eastern Shore of Maryland Sickle Cell Association in 2019, because she was concerned about her daughter’s medical treatment during the Covid pandemic.

She suffers from Sickle Cell Disease, and they wanted to make sure those who suffer on a daily basis, had top priority. Their Warrior event is meant to gather toys for hospital distractions, and Ward says being aware of the disease makes a world of difference.

“If you are going to pro-create, and you happen to have sickle cell disease, then, you could pass on the trait, or you could pass on the crisis to someone else, and it is a hereditary disease. And so, if you have traits and I have traits that means we have a 1 in 4 chance of having a baby that may have a crisis.”

The Valentine’s Day Sickle Cell Warrior Event will be held at the Wicomico County Public Library on Saturday, February 8th from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm and it’s free to the public. Visit their Facebook page to get more information or help with the cause.