Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease affects every one out of five hundred African American births and one of every 400 children. It’s passed down through families in which red blood cells form an abnormal crescent shape. The fragile, sickle-shaped cells get stuck more easily in small blood vessels, break into pieces and interrupt healthy blood flow.

For kids with Sickle Cell, living with chronic pain is a way of life. Common symptoms can begin as early as four months of age. They include chest congestion, delayed growth and puberty, bone pain, labored breathing and headaches, fevers and chance of stroke.

In the past, Sickle Cell patients often died from organ failure between ages 20 and 40. Fortunately, today, there’s a better understanding and management of the disease. Patients are able to manage their pain better and live into their 50s and beyond.

What’s more, progress is being made towards a cure.

The Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, is home to the largest Pediatric Sickle Cell program in the country. The national facility located at the Hughes Spalding Center cares for more than 1,500 children and young adults with this disease.

The Universal Fundraising Organization has partnered with Historic Black Colleges and Universities All-Star Bowl Game to help raise funds to help fight Sickle Cell Disease. All proceeds from this game will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Donations can be made directly to us for this cause and for the support of this annual event.