The Sickle Cell Awareness Family Day and 5K Walk, scheduled for February 22, 2025, at Pelona Vista Park in Palmdale, represents a significant community initiative to address sickle cell disease (SCD), a life-threatening genetic disorder that predominantly affects African American and Hispanic-American populations. Organized by the Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation in partnership with My Footprints LA, the event from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM aims to shed light on SCD while fostering community solidarity and understanding.
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to assume a sickle shape, leading to severe complications including chronic pain, organ damage, and increased infection risks. Historically, research and healthcare advancements for SCD have been underfunded, partly due to structural racism and implicit bias within healthcare systems. The event directly addresses these systemic healthcare disparities by offering a multifaceted approach to awareness and support.
Participants can engage in various activities designed to educate and support the SCD community. The 5K walk promotes solidarity, while a blood drive in collaboration with the American Red Cross provides critical support for individuals living with SCD. Family-friendly entertainment including face painting, a bounce house, vendors, food trucks, and a DJ creates an inclusive atmosphere. Event participation is priced at $35 per participant, with all proceeds supporting efforts to improve resources, education, and care for individuals living with the disease. Blood donors receive a $20 Amazon gift card as an incentive.
The Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, established in 2000, demonstrates its ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those diagnosed with sickle cell disease through this event. The organization provides comprehensive care, education, and advocacy for patients and healthcare providers. By hosting this awareness day, the foundation continues its work addressing the significant health challenges faced by SCD patients and their families.
This community event represents a critical opportunity for Palmdale residents and surrounding communities to learn about sickle cell disease, support affected individuals, and contribute to addressing healthcare inequities. The combination of education, fundraising, and blood donation creates multiple pathways for community members to make tangible differences in the lives of those living with this genetic disorder.
