The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Southern CT., Inc. (SCDAA, Southern CT) invites the public to join them in their 25th Silver Anniversary Walkathon on September 17, 2016. The 5 Mile Walk/Run will be held at East Rock Park (College Woods) located at 41 Cold Springs Street in New Haven at 8:00 AM. This year’s theme is “Walking & Building A Gateway To A Cure”.
Participants are encouraged to register in advance by calling the SCDAA office at 203 909 6737, 203 385-2253 or online at scdaasouthernct@sbcglobal.net. On-site registration for the Walkathon begins at 8:00 AM. Individuals and teams are welcome. The entry fee is $25. There will be fun activities for children and adults including raffles & prizes which include a 48” Sony flat screen LCD TV.
The first walk was organized by local alumni of Delaware State University and took place in Bridgeport commencing at Sacred Heart University. Over 100 supporters braved the elements and walked five miles to the Walk’s end at historic Seaside Park. This year, the Walk is expected to draw over 600 individuals.
SCDAA of Southern CT was founded in 1985 in Bridgeport by Virginia Scott to bring awareness and to raise funds for her young grandson who was afflicted with the disease. Since that time, the organization has grown and moved their main office to New Haven, where a large segment of Sickle Cell patients live and receive care. A new Sickle Cell Center, the first in New England will open this fall through the generosity of Yale New Haven Hospital, The CT State Vocational Technical School System and many passionate volunteers. SCDAA of Southern CT is a non-profit 501C3 organization that supports the care and treatment of hundreds of individuals afflicted with Sickle Cell Disease in Southern CT. It is committed to serving individuals and their families living with the disease and actively promoting awareness and prevention.
The title sponsor of the event is Yale New Haven Health System. Additionally many other local and regional corporations, businesses, churches and individuals have supported our efforts. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects over 100,000 Americans and more than 2.5 million Americans have sickle cell trait. Sickle cell disease originated in regions where malaria is prevalent, like Africa, the Middle East, The Mediterranean, South America and India. Today sickle cell disease can be found all over the world.
Donations to SCDAA of Southern CT can be made throughout the year through the Donate Now button located on its website.