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get involved Together our tenacity and commitment have greatly brightened the future for sickle cell: comprehensive pediatric care has become a medical standard throughout most of the U.S., allowing patients to pursue college educations, take on dream careers, marry and welcome extended families. At the same time, many challenges remain: awareness among the adult medical community lags behind pediatric expertise at the expense of patient health. Sickle cell still bears the weight of stigma attached to systemic discrimination. While research is on the uptick, treatments are limited. There is no universal cure. Your support matters in our quest for consciousness, equity, and a cure. Please join us today. DONATE The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter thrives on the support of dedicated patients/clients, staff, volunteers, funders, sponsors, donors , and community partners . We've remained committed to our mission of improving the lives of people living with sickle cell disease for 48 years. Give today . ADVOCATE This is an exciting time for the sickle cell community as new treatments have recently become available and interest in research to find a cure has spiked. Yet, insurance hindrances, misplaced opioid restrictions, and ongoing systemic discrimination continue to block access to proper care and threaten the lives of patients. Raise your voice for sickle cell. VOLUNTEER There are always volunteer opportunities at SCDAA-MI for assistance at our annual Sickle Cell Matters Walk, encouraging an increased social media presence, office help, committees, and more. Complete our volunteer form to let us know you're interested, and we'll contact you when opportunities arise.

our services Top of Page Newborn Screening Testing & Genetic Counseling Case Management Career Development Community Education Case Management Career Development Newborn Screening Newborn Screening As of July 1987, every baby born in the state of Michigan is tested for sickle cell conditions by the Michigan Department of Community Health. This identification allows infants to receive lifesaving penicillin prophylaxis before the disease might be diagnosed from the occurrence of sickle cell disease symptoms. Newborn screening also enables families to receive early disease education and be aware of critical signs and symptoms that may require medical/lifesaving intervention. When an infant is diagnosed with sickle cell trait, the agency provides information to the family about the significance of the condition and free testing for other family members if desired. Return to top of page SCDAA-MI also helps with: Obtaining the required confirmatory test Education and genetic counseling Penicillin management Access to appropriate medical care Testing & Genetic Counseling The function of the testing program is to determine whether a person is at risk for having a child with sickle cell disease. The non-directive counseling program provides detailed and accurate information about sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease for those identified as carriers. This will enable individuals and couples to make informed decisions that they believe are in their best interest regarding family planning. Return to top of page Offices is closed to the public due to Covid. Remote Hours M-F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. . Case Management Services One of the major functions of the social work program is to assure that clients have access to adequate medical care. Our focus is to provide comprehensive client centered services which lead to empowerment and self-sufficiency. Community Health Workers/Patient Advocates provide public education, social work services and care coordination services to children and adults with sickle cell disease throughout Michigan at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and other local health institutions covering Lansing, Pontiac, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Flint, Saginaw, Kalamazoo, Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids and Muskegon. Services also include trait follow-up and conducting an annual psychosocial assessment for families with appropriate follow-up. The services provided include: Client advocacy Individual and family counseling Disease education Medical referrals Trait follow up Annual psychosocial assessment and follow up Navigating insurance Assistance finding primary care and specialty physicians Assistance with basic needs Return to top of page For assistance with the above matters, please contact your nearest office below or email info@scdaami.org : Metro Detroit (313) 864-4406 Jackson/Lansing Area: (517) 394-7397 Saginaw/Flint Area: (989) 755-7752 Benton Harbor/ Kalamazoo Area: (269) 927-5629 Grand Rapids/ Muskegon Area: (616) 243-1868 Career Development The Career Development Program assists individuals with a sickle cell disease ages 14 and above to plan and achieve a career goal leading to satisfactory employment. We offer clients a six-stage career development course to aid in gainful and satisfactory employment. Other services provided include: Vocational Counseling and Testing Information about Financial Aid College Planning Resume Preparation and Interviewing Skills Assistance with Summer Employment for ages 14-21 Job Replacement and Retention Assistance Summer Reading Enrichment Program for grades K-12 Referral Services Alternative work programs Disability and accommodations assistance for school (including college) and work Resources currently utilized are Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth Michigan Rehabilitation Service (MRS) and the Social Security Administration’s Work Incentive program. Return to top of page For career assistance, contact Jerica McBride at 313-864-4406, ext. 109, or email her at mcbridej@scdaami.org . Community Education Our free summer camp experience provides a unique opportunity for our children to gain self-confidence and independence. It also helps parents overcome issues of over protectiveness which may occur when raising a child with a chronic illness. Children ages 8-17 are able to participate in activities including swimming, boating, horseback riding, crafts, archery and much more. The Public Education Program is designed to increase awareness and educate the general public. Our goal is to provide meaningful and accurate information regarding all sickle cell conditions. The following services are available: Group Presentations Media Presentations Health Fair Displays Printed Material Workshops and training sessions Return to top of page Keep up with our latest events . For additional information on services, email info@scdaami.org or call 313-864-4406 Testing & Genetic Counseling Community Education SCDAA-MI’s services are available throughout Michigan and span lifetime needs. For more information: Call 313-864-4406 Email info@scdaami.org Contact our nearest satellite office: Jackson/Lansing Area: (517) 394-7397 Saginaw/Flint Area: (989) 755-7752 Benton Harbor/Kalamazoo Area: (269) 927-5629 Grand Rapids/Muskegon Area: (616) 243-1868

News media releases and alerts from SCDAA-MI press releases Advisories from SCDAA's Medical and Research Advisory Committee Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Medical and Research Advisory Committee COVID-19 Update “December 23, 2021 – SCDAA MARAC reminds the sickle cell community that the COVID-19 pandemic is having another increase in infections. New variants like omicron are emerging, as is common for RNA viruses, and vaccination rates need to consequently improve. Vaccinations can protect against severe illness. A new mediation might also help as early treatment for infected individuals.” Further details/recommendations on website: https://www.sicklecelldisease.org/2021/12/23/marac-advisory-statement-update-about-covid-19/ MARAC Advisory Statement on Post-secondary and Boarding School Education in the Age of COVID-19 (July 31, 2020) - SHOW THIS TO YOUR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR TO HELP THEM HELP YOU. MARAC Advisory Statement for SCD Patients Who are Teachers, Administrators, and Other Support Staff during School Reopening (July 30, 2020) - SHOW THIS TO YOUR EMPLOYER TO HELP THEM HELP YOU SCDAA MARAC Position on 2020 School Reopening (July 27, 2020) - SHOW THIS TO YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL PRINCIPAL TO HELP THEM HELP YOU MARAC Advisory Statement Regarding SCD Patients during the time of “Reopening” the U.S. Economy (April 30, 2020) Sickle Cell Disease and COVID-19: Provider Advisory: An Outline to Decrease Burden and Minimize Morbidity (May 27, 2020) Health Alert for People with Sickle Cell Disease and their Caregivers (March 17, 2020) - SHOW THIS TO YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDERS TO HELP THEM HELP YOU A Health Note From Dr. Biree Andemariam , SCDAA Chief Medical Officer (March 13, 2020)

summer camp Our summer camp experience provides a unique opportunity for our children to gain self-confidence and independence. It also helps parents overcome issues of over protectiveness which may occur when raising a child with a chronic illness. Summer Camp North Star Reach Virtual Fall Family Camp North Star Reach is continuing to keep the health and safety of campers, families, staff and volunteers their top priority. Therefore, they are continuing with virtual Camp-at-Home programming this fall for family camps instead of on-site programming. Below is their fall camp schedule, and a brief online registration form is now live at the Camp-At-Home website .

Additional resources to support your needs during the COVID-19 pandemic Food Mental Health Internet Talking With Kids Education Ways to Connect 2-1-1 Top Job Info Locate various community resources by zip code https://navigator.familydoctor.org/ Food Locate food banks by zip code https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank Several school districts are offering “grab and go” food pick up for students during the COVID-19 outbreak. These organizations are assisting as well: Gleaners Food Bank Forgotten Harvest Yad Ezra Lighthouse Food Pantry City of Detroit Food Pickup Mental Health 24/7 365 Disaster Distress Hotline to assist with emotional distress due to pandemic Free online COVID-19 support group Coping With Coronavirus Anxiety - Reading from Harvard Health Be The Match® is now offering free counseling services to sickle cell warriors and their loved ones. One of their licensed social workers can provide you with one-on-one support for personal and emotional issues. Request a connection today. Internet & Device Access FCC program for eligible households to provide low cost telephone and broadband internet service (Michigan is a participating state) Some internet providers are offering free services to low-income families and households with students. Free Comcast Xfinity internet: Comcast Xfinity is currently offering its Internet Essentials program free for two months to new customers. The internet provider is also automatically increasing speeds for all Internet Essentials customers. Comcast Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots are also open and free to use by anyone. Free internet for students from Charter Spectrum: Households with students K–12 or university students can sign up for a new Charter Spectrum internet account to get the first two months of internet with speeds up to 100 Mbps for free. Installation fees will be waived for those who qualify for the offer. Call 1-844-488-8395 to enroll. Spectrum Wi-Fi hotspots are also currently open and free to use. Free internet for students from Altice: Altice internet providers Suddenlink and Optimum are offering 60 days of free internet service for households with K–12 or college students. Internet speeds are up to 30 Mbps if you do not already have access to a home internet plan. To sign up, call 1-866-200-9522 if you live in an area with Optimum internet service, or call 1-888-633-0030 if you live in an area with Suddenlink internet service. Free low-income internet from Cox: Until May 12, 2020, Cox is offering the first month of its low-income internet program, Connect2Compete , for free. The internet service is also providing free phone and remote desktop support for technical support during that time. AT&T: https://www.att.com/help/covid-19/ Talking with your children about COVID-19 Talking to Children About COVID-19: National Association of School Psychologists Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks : Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Talking with Children about Coronavirus : CDC Helping Children Cope with Emergencies : CDC How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus : PBS Kids Should children be gathering while school is not in session? CDC Recommendation : Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community Coronavirus is Here. Should Kids Still Have Playdates ? Fatherly Magazine Educational Websites and Apps Guidance and a variety of good online resources are available on the Common Sense Media website. All Subjects ABC Mouse (Free 30 day trial) Khan Academy Khan Academy Kids Wonderopolis Parent Toolkit Literacy Scholastic Learn at Home Starfall Audible (free audio stories for kids) Math Code.org Tynker - Free coding courses for all grades Solve Me Puzzles - puzzles that use mathematical thinking PBS Kids Math Games Science & Social Studies Mystery Doug National Geographic Kids Science Journal for Kids Enrichment Activities Fun Games PBS Kids Typing.com Movement & Mindfulness Headspace Go Noodle Mindfulness Moments Virtual Tours Museum Virtual Tours NASA Images and Video Library Cranbrook Art Museum virtual tour Ways to connect Adobe Connect (Free 90 day trial) Facetime Skype Google Hangouts United Way 2-1-1 United Way for Southeast Michigan's 2-1-1 service provides referrals to programs in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe and Lapeer counties, connecting users with more than 30,000 service providers throughout the state. You can get information online at United Way 2-1-1 , or by dialing 2-1-1 (or 1-800-552-1183 ). Returning to Work Michigan information for employers and employees Michigan guidance for manufacturing workers returning to work Template letters from SCDAA for physicians to provide patients and caregivers Food resources Mental Health resources Internet and device access Talking with your kids Education and enrichment Ways to connect United Way 211 Back to the top Back to the top Back to the top COVID-19 Information From Michigan Health Departments Berrien County here Genesee County here Ingham County here Kent County here Lenawee County here Macomb County here Michigan Department of Health & Human Services here Oakland County here Saginaw County here Washtenaw County here Wayne County here MI Health Depts Job Info

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter Staff Tracie L. Conic, M.A., B.S.W Director of Client Services/HIPAA Compliance Officer Tonya Ashwood-Malone Data Manager Khaleeda Robinson, MPH., B.S. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Detroit Michael Copeland, B.S. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Grand Rapids/Muskegon Area Jessica Williams Program Assistant Ben Frazier, B.S.W. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Saginaw/Flint Area Melanie Greer, B.S. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Benton Harbor/Kalamazoo Craig Bradley Director of Operations & Outreach Darlene Hunt Maintenance/Courier Kristal Johnson-Cobb Administrative Assistant Cree King-Jackson Executive Assistant/Newborn Screening Assistant Clifton Kirkman II Social Media Specialist Jerica McBride, M.A. Education/Career Coordinator Angela McCreary, B.S.W. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Lansing/Jackson Area Richard Reed Finance Manager Wanda Whitten-Shurney, M.D. CEO & Medical Director our staff

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter Board of Directors Chairperson Kym L. Worthy Prosecutor, Wayne County District Jeffrey Sherbow, Esq, 1st Vice Chair, Attorney, Sherbow Law Office Ms. Cheryl L. Haskett, Treasurer Finance Director & Consultant, YDB, Inc. Kathleen Neumann, Secretary Retired Regional Director, Judson Center Sharada Sarnaik, M.D. , Assistant Secretary Retired Director, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Clinic Children's Hospital of Michigan Sonja L. Banks, CEO, International Dyslexia Association, Inc . Barbara Cushing, M.D. Retired Pediatric Hematologist, CHM LeWanda Gipson Deputy Director, Matrix Human Services Deborah Smith-Pollard, Ph.D. Associate Professor, U of M Dearborn Beverly Watkins Systems Administration, Toyota our board

sickle cell treatments While there is no universal cure for sickle cell disease (yet), there are several therapeutic approaches to relieve symptoms, reduce complications, and extend life. Early treatment (by eight weeks) by a hematologist is critical for newborns. Beginning a course of prophylactic penicillin at age two months was a historic intervention in changing the course of childhood sickle cell survival. View our Feb. 29th Treatment Workshop where we discussed all the current treatments available to cure sickle cell. CLICK TO PLAY ON FACEBOOK Part 1 with Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney (44 mins) CLICK TO PLAY ON FACEBOOK Part 2 with Dr. Ahmar Zaidi (58 mins) The only cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Most sickle cell disease transplants are currently performed in children who have had complications such as strokes, acute chest crises, and recurring pain crises. These transplants usually use a matched donor. Blood and bone marrow transplants are riskier in adults. Read more Medicines can reduce or alleviate symptoms and complications and prolong life. Penicillin In children who have sickle cell disease, taking penicillin two times a day has been shown to reduce the chance of having a severe infection caused by the pneumococcus bacteria. Newborns need to take liquid penicillin. Older children can take tablets. Many doctors will stop prescribing penicillin after a child has reached the age of 5. Some prefer to continue this antibiotic throughout life, particularly if a person has hemoglobin SS or hemoglobin Sβ0 thalassemia, since people who have sickle cell disease are still at risk. All people who have had surgical removal of the spleen, called a splenectomy, or a past infection with pneumococcus should keep taking penicillin throughout life. Hydroxyurea Hydroxyurea is an oral medicine that has been shown to reduce or prevent several sickle cell disease complications. This medicine was studied in patients who have sickle cell disease, because it was known to increase the amount of fetal hemoglobin (hemoglobin F) in the blood. Increased hemoglobin F provides some protection against the effects of hemoglobin S. Watch Dr. Shurney’s animated video about Hydroxyurea and how it works Endari Approved by the FDA for sickle cell use in 2017, Endari is an oral L-glutamine therapy for sickle cell disease and sickle cell thalassemia that reduces the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adults and children 5 years and older. It works by increasing the amount of glutamine in the blood. The added glutamine is taken up by the defective sickle cells, and when metabolized (broken down) results in the release of antioxidants.Common side effects include constipation, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, cough, pain in the extremities, back pain and chest pain. Patient web site Endari co-pay assistance Adakveo In 2019, the FDA also approved a new medicine to reduce the number of pain crises experienced by adults and children 16 years and older who have sickle cell disease. The medicine, which is given through an IV in the vein, helps prevent blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and causing blood flow blockage, inflammation, and pain crises. Possible side effects include nausea, joint pain, back pain, and fever. Patient resources web site Downloadable patient brochure Oxbryta The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new medicine in 2019 to treat sickle cell disease in adults and children 12 years and older. The oral medicine prevents red blood cells from forming the sickle shape and binding together. This may decrease the destruction of some red blood cells, which in turn lowers the risk for anemia and improves blood flow to your organs. Possible side effects include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and fever. Rarely, allergic reactions may occur, causing rashes, hives, or mild shortness of breath. Talk to your doctor about other medicines you take. Patient web site Caregiver tips Downloadable patient information leaflet Transfusions are often used in acute or preventive situations. Transfusions are administered to treat and prevent certain sickle cell disease complications. These transfusions may include: Acute transfusion to treat complications that cause severe anemia. Doctors may also use transfusions when a patient has an acute stroke, in many cases of acute chest crises, and in multi-organ failure. A patient who has sickle cell disease usually receives blood transfusions before surgery, to prevent complications. Red blood cell transfusions to increase the number of red blood cells and provide normal red blood cells that are more flexible than red blood cells with sickle hemoglobin. Regular or ongoing blood transfusions for people who have had an acute stroke, to reduce the chances of having another stroke. Doctors also recommend blood transfusions for children who have abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound results, because transfusions can reduce the chance of having a first stroke. There are other treatments for specific complications. Be mindful that not all treatments work for everyone. Some people find success with alternative treatments as well, including medical marijuana (be knowledgeable about legalities that may impact school, work and overall health). To stay as healthy as possible, patients should be sure to get regular medical care that includes a pediatrician (for children) or primary care physician (for adults) and a hematologist and work with them to create the best individual care plan. Patients should also live a healthy lifestyle and avoid triggers that may cause a pain crisis. Page sources: NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, FDA.gov, Endari, Adakveo, Oxbryta

symptoms& complications Info You Should Know: Symptoms and Complications of Sickle Cell Disease (Although the language here is directed to parents, this list applies to both children and adults with sickle cell. When in doubt, please contact your medical provider or go to the hospital.) NIH NHLBI g uidelines for treating complications Anemia Your baby may have this condition if he/she lacks the number of healthy blood cells required to carry sufficient oxygen to the rest of the body. Some of the most common symptoms include paleness, low energy, breathing problems, and slower growth. Treatment: The doctor will consider the severity of the symptoms to suggest a treatment plan, but they may rely on antibiotics and blood transfusion to treat the condition. Acute Chest Syndrome It could be an extremely painful and serious situation because it restricts blood flow to the lungs. Some common signs and symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems, and fever. Treatment: The doctor may recommend treatment with blood transfusions, antibiotic medicine, pain medicine, and oxygen to help improve breathing. Pain Pain is common and happens when sickled cells restrict blood flow. Pain can be anywhere in the body – it can be in organs and joints as well. The pain may continue for a few hours or extend to days and even weeks. It is important to give your child plenty of fluids, maintain temperature, and keep them from high altitudes to limit pain episodes. Treatment: Some of the most common treatment options include heating pads, prescription pain medicine, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen, and hydroxyurea to help produce a specific type of hemoglobin. Extended pain requires hospitalization and narcotic medications. Hand-Foot Syndrome A child may experience pain, coldness, or swelling in the feet and hands when the sickle cells affect the blood supply to these limbs. Treatment: The doctor may rely on certain pain-relieving medicine to treat the symptoms. Giving your child plenty of fluids may also help. Splenic Crisis Sometimes, sickled cells accumulate in the spleen and clog it. This leads to swelling that prevents the spleen from filtering blood in the body. Specific signs include weakness, pain on the left side of the belly, and a rapid heart rate. Treatment: The usual treatment option is blood transfusion. The doctor may also consider removing the spleen iif splenic crisis becomes a regular issue. Infection Your child may have to fight with several infections including the infection of the lining of the brain and lung infection. Signs and symptoms include breathing problems, fever, coughing, headaches, and pain in the bones. An oral temperature over 100.3 requires a trip to the emergency room to help prevent bacterial sepsis. Treatment: It is important to prevent an infection from happening by staying up to date on vaccinations. If your child gets an infection, your doctor may recommend some antibiotics to clear the infection. Taking antibiotics regularly may help prevent infections when your baby is between 2 months and 5 years of age. Stroke Those altered red blood cells may restrict blood flow to the brain, which sometimes leads to a stroke. The most common symptoms include weakness on one side of the body, severe headache, and changes in speech, alertness, hearing, or vision. Treatment: Your child's healthcare provider will first notice these symptoms and then ask for an ultrasound, called Doppler ultrasound, to determine your child's risk for stroke. Vision Loss Blindness and other vision problems may happen when these cells block blood supply to your child's eyes. Sometimes, the cells block the blood flow to a specific part of the brain that leads to vision loss. Treatment: A regular eye exam with an ophthalmologist is necessary to avoid such issues, but your doctor may also recommend additional eye treatment to prevent further damage. More on major complications and their treatments from the CDC

get involved Together our tenacity and commitment have greatly brightened the future for sickle cell: comprehensive pediatric care has become a medical standard throughout most of the U.S., allowing patients to pursue college educations, take on dream careers, marry and welcome extended families. At the same time, many challenges remain: awareness among the adult medical community lags behind pediatric expertise at the expense of patient health. Sickle cell still bears the weight of stigma attached to systemic discrimination. While research is on the uptick, treatments are limited. There is no universal cure. Your support matters in our quest for consciousness, equity, and a cure. Please join us today. DONATE The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter thrives on the support of dedicated patients/clients, staff, volunteers, funders, sponsors, donors , and community partners . We've remained committed to our mission of improving the lives of people living with sickle cell disease for 48 years. Give today . ADVOCATE This is an exciting time for the sickle cell community as new treatments have recently become available and interest in research to find a cure has spiked. Yet, insurance hindrances, misplaced opioid restrictions, and ongoing systemic discrimination continue to block access to proper care and threaten the lives of patients. Raise your voice for sickle cell. VOLUNTEER There are always volunteer opportunities at SCDAA-MI for assistance at our annual Sickle Cell Matters Walk, encouraging an increased social media presence, office help, committees, and more. Complete our volunteer form to let us know you're interested, and we'll contact you when opportunities arise.

Since we have announced our Save the date for our 2021 Sickle Cell Matters Awareness Walk, We look forward to your participation! Here are highlights from last year's walk..... Enjoy!!!! I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. The Sickle Cell Matters Virtual Walk program starts at 10 :15 a.m. EST here and on Facebook @SickleCellMichigan! YOUR GUIDE TO THE daY* *Program times are approximate You can still donate to the 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Virtual Walk through September 30th. We appreciate your support! Donate to the cause or a team Click the image to download a PDF version of the day's agenda. 10:15 - WELCOME REMARKS SCDAA-MI CEO & Medical Director, Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney Honorary Chair, Deborah Smith-Pollard Honorary C-Chair, Dr. Ahmar Zaidi, "Dr. Z." 10:21 - #SICKLESLIDE Join Dr. Shurney and the staff of the Bottomless Toy Chest in the #SickleSlide 10:24 - WARRIOR RECOGNITIONS Tribute to Fallen Warriors - Those We've Lost 2020 Graduation Open House Celebration Salute to Legacy Warriors - Those 40 & Over 10:37 - MEET OUR SPONSORS Greetings from Medunik USA & What You Should Know About Sickle Cell Anemia Wayne County Community College District Tour Emmaus Life Sciences - About Endari 11:14 - PRODUCTS & SERVICES Pfizer - Functional Fluidics Sick Cells - Versiti - Terumo 11:16 - GIVEAWAYS & AWARDS 1st & 2nd Place Fundraising Teams (as of 9/12) Most Team Members (as of 9/12) T-Shirt/Poster Design Contest Winner Giveaway Winner From All Participants (as of 9/5 11:20 - TIME TO MOVE! Now's the time to move how you choose. Take your walk, do a little yoga, or head out to your ballot box to drop off your election ballot. Be sure to post your photos u sing #SickleCellMattersWalkMI #SickleCellMatters #SickleCellLivesMatter Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney Deborah Smith-Pollard Dr. Ahmar Zaidi Thank you for making our 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Virtual Walk a huge success! DONATE NOW Our 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Walk sponsors! Meet the Sponsors

If you inherit only one sickle hemoglobin gene from a parent you will carry the sickle cell trait. While the trait was once thought to be innocuous, in recent years more has been learned about carriers. People with the trait are more likely to suffer from conditions such as urinary tract infections or blood in the urine. Even athletes with sickle cell trait are now advised to take special precautions. sickle cell trait Sickle Cell Trait Facts In some people the red blood cells can take on the shape of a farmer’s sickle. If you are born with this gene from one parent you have SICKLE CELL TRAIT. If you are born with this gene from both parents you have SICKLE CELL DISEASE. A person with sickle cell DISEASE has sickle cells in the blood stream which can cause health problems Such as pain, infection and anemia. A person with sickle cell TRAIT does not have sickle cells in the blood stream and does not have a disease. They're considered to be a carrier. If both parents have sickle cell TRAIT, each time a child is born there is a 25% (1 in 4) chance the child will have sickle cell DISEASE. This doesn't mean that if you have four children, one of them will have a chance of being born with sickle cell disease. It means that each child has a 25% chance of being born with the disease. There are two other fairly common traits that can also result in having a child with sickle cell disease: h emoglobin C trait and thalassemia trait. Since you do not get sick from any of these traits, you may have one of them and not know it. People of childbearing age should know if they have any of these traits so that they can make informed decisions regarding family planning. Know your trait status! View and download the full infographic here . SCDAA-MI offers free testing for sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease at its office: 18516 James Couzens Fwy, Detroit, MI 48235. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome. Call or contact us for more information. More info on the CDC's sickle cell trait site. Learn more about the NCAA and sickle cell trait