Sickle Cell Awareness Family Day and 5K Walk to Highlight Critical Health Disparities

The Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, in partnership with My Footprints LA, will host a Sickle Cell Awareness Family Day and 5K Walk on February 22, 2025, at Pelona Vista Park in Palmdale, California. The event seeks to shed light on sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic disorder that disproportionately impacts African American and Hispanic-American populations.

The event will feature a 5K walk, a blood drive in collaboration with the American Red Cross, and family-friendly activities including face painting, a bounce house, vendors, food trucks, and live music. Participants can contribute to raising awareness and supporting individuals living with SCD by paying a $35 registration fee, with all proceeds supporting resources, education, and care initiatives.

Sickle cell disease is a life-threatening condition that causes red blood cells to assume an abnormal, sickle-like shape, leading to potential complications such as chronic pain, organ damage, and increased infection risks. Historically, research and healthcare advancements for SCD have been underfunded, reflecting systemic inequities and structural racism in medical research and treatment.

By hosting this community-focused event, organizers aim to address these disparities, foster greater understanding of SCD, and provide a platform for education and support. Blood donors participating in the drive will be eligible for a $20 Amazon gift card, further incentivizing community involvement in this critical health initiative.