Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. Sometimes these red blood cells become sickle-shaped (crescent shaped) which causes them to stack up and cause blockages that deprive the organs and tissue of oxygen carrying blood. This process produces periodic episodes of pain and can ultimately damage the tissues and vital organs and lead to other medical problems.
· It is estimated that SCD affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the United States, mainly African-Americans.
· Approximately 2.5 million Americans or 1 in 10-12 African-Americans carry the sickle cell trait.
· The disease occurs among 1 of every 500 African -American births and 1 out of every 36,000 Hispanic-American births.
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Upcoming events & news about Sickle Cell Disease in the Philadelphia area:
- Sickle Cell Advocacy Day in Harrisburg Wednesday May 15, 2013
- World Sickle Cell Day June 19th
- The Sickle Cell Disease Assocation of America Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter 31st birthday July 2, 2013.
- Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the whole month of September
- Sickle Cell Seminar Day Saturday September 21, 2013
- 16th Annual Walter E Brandon Sickle Cell 5K Walk/Run Saturday September 28, 2013
- SCDAA 41st Annual Convention September 24th-27th, 2013
