Sickle Cell Matters: Marking World Sickle Cell Day

Members of the African community hosted a celebration of diversity, song, dance and fashion to mark World Sickle Cell Day. The event, which took place in Luttreslstown, was addressed by Deputy Jack Chambers and Cllr. Emer Higgins who lent their support to the #SickleCellMatters campaign.

“I was delighted to attend the World Sickle Cell Day celebrations to help raise awareness of the anaemia. Thankfully it’s a rarity in Ireland today, but as modern Ireland becomes more multicultural, diverse and inclusive, unless we promote awareness of the disease we could risk changing that. It’s a genetic condition of which many people, particularly those of African descent, are carriers. Being a carrier doesn’t impact your life but it could impact your child’s,” said Cllr. Emer Higgins.

“I attended the event to support a colleague of mine who has two children with Sickle Cell disease. I wanted to lend my support to her and other families impacted by the disease. They are part of an organisation called Sickle Cell Ireland which promotes awareness of and champions resources for the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. St. Michael’s Ward in Crumlin Hospital provides fantastic care to many of their children and the event raised much needed funds for Crumlin’s Medical Research Fund. The main messages from the event were to give blood because that’s life saving for people impacted by the disease, and for young people of African descent to get tested so they know whether or not they are a carrier before get married or have children,” explained Cllr. Emer Higgins.

“The event itself was fantastic. Brazilian dance, an artistic fashion show, fantastic young singers and all in a beautiful setting. I’d like to congratulate Sakinah and Esther on organising a terrific day and all they do to promote Sickle Cell in Ireland,” concluded Cllr. Emer Higgins.