Sickle Cell Walk This Weekend

The Association for Sickle Cell Lower Chattahoochee Region (ASCLCR) will be hosting its 29th Annual Sickle Cell Walkathon to honor and support individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease.

The Walkathon will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at 9 a.m., starting at Fourth Street Baptist Church.

The walk will cover 2.3 miles.

Participants can join in groups of four or more with a minimum donation of $25 per person.

There is also a drive option available for those who prefer to participate without walking.

Children 5 years of age and under can join for free, while children ages 6-17 can participate for $15.

Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic blood disorder passed down from both parents. If both parents carry the sickle cell trait, there is a 25 percent chance their child will inherit the disease.

Although Sickle Cell Disease is currently incurable, treatments such as bone marrow transplants have made it more manageable thanks to years of research.

The organization will use funds raised from the event to promote awareness of sickle cell disease, educate the community about the effects of the disease, promote sickle cell testing, to act as a referral service for the community resources, and ensure that sickle cell clients live a better quality of life.

For more information or to register for the Walkathon, please visit www.asclcr.org.