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Declaring September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, congratulating the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Philadelphia / Delaware Valley Chapter in recognition of their 26th Annual Walter E. Brandon (Virtual) Sickle Cell 5K Walk / Run Fundraiser, named in memory of the late Rev. Walter E. Brandon, and commending the work of researchers and medical health professionals working every day to fight Sickle Cell Disease and towards the ultimate goal of a universal cure.
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WHEREAS, Sickle Cell Disease is a red blood cell disorder that can cause medical complications, reduce life expectancy, cause significant pain and lead to multi-organ failure. Sickle Cell Disease predominantly affects people of African descent in communities across the world, and a high incidence in Philadelphia. Despite its prevalence and implications, racism has impacted the healthcare system for Black people with Sickle Cell Disease, with many examples in Philadelphia and around the country. While some patients may also qualify for bone marrow transplantation and new gene therapies, few people in Philadelphia receive access to this life-changing treatment; and
WHEREAS, Patients with Sickle Cell Disease often report feeling stigmatized because they receive opioid medication, which may exacerbate the likelihood of opioid dependence and because medical professionals may doubt the severity of their pain and question their motivation for requesting pain medication. This mistrust can lead to less preventative care and poorer disease treatment, which can result in anxiety and depression; and
WHEREAS, The National Sickle Cell Disease Association of America founded more than 50 years ago, has 48 member organizations around the country devoted to raising awareness, providing education, and facilitating access to resources to support individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease as well as their families. The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia / Delaware Valley Chapter is a member organization established 42 years ago and has supported thousands of people across our communities living with the disease; and
WHEREAS, The majority of people suffering from Sickle Cell Disease are economically disadvantaged or from underserved communities, and the cost burden of the disease on those families is enormous; and
WHEREAS, The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Philadelphia / Delaware Valley Chapter provides a wide range of direct and supportive services to meet the needs of children, adolescents, adults and their families to include: roundtrip transportation, case management, rental assistance, mental health resources, single gene genetic counseling, support groups, scholarships, multicultural initiative and transition from pediatric to adult medical care; and
WHEREAS, Because of the excellent work of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia / Delaware Valley Chapter, City Council has appropriated funding for the organization for the past several years; and
WHEREAS, This year the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia / Delaware Valley Chapter is proud to host the 26th Annual Walter E. Brandon (Virtual) Sickle Cell 5K Walk / Run Fundraiser in memory of the late Rev. Walter E. Brandon on Saturday, September 28 at 9:00 am. The event will honor the life and legacy of beloved Sickle Cell Warrior Queen, Mrs. Joan D. Lambright, Board Treasurer, who made transition last year at age 84, along with raising awareness about the disease while encouraging loved ones to help advocate in honor of those living with the disease; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby declares September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, congratulates the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Philadelphia / Delaware Valley Chapter in recognition of their 26th Annual Walter E. Brandon (Virtual) Sickle Cell 5K Walk / Run Fundraiser, named in memory of the late Rev. Walter E. Brandon, and commends the work of researchers and medical health professionals working every day to fight Sickle Cell Disease and towards the ultimate goal of a universal cure.
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