Together 4 Sickle Cell
Mission:
To increase awareness and understanding of sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait among younger generations.
WHO WE ARE
Tamia Fowlkes
is a multimedia journalist and recent graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and holds a Master of Science in Journalism. Prior to her time at Columbia, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Political Science with certificates in Gender and Women’s Studies and Leadership from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her work delves into the intersections of labor, politics, climate, arts, race, and culture. Tamia is also an advocate for sickle cell awareness.
Sickle Cell By The Numbers
1 in 365
African American babies are born with sickle cell disease and 1 in 16,300 Hispanic American babies are born with sickle cell disease
100,000
Americans are affected by sickle cell disease
1 in 13
African American babies are born with sickle cell trait
42% of
Sickle cell-related death among African American children younger than 4 years of age fell by 42% in recent years
Ways To Support Someone Who Lives With Sickle Cell Disease
Be present, be a good listener, and be understanding.
Support a healthy lifestyle: drinking water, getting adequate sleep, eating healthy, avoid smoking, and avoid alcohol.
Know some of the signs and symptoms: fever, pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, stomach pain, unusual headache, sudden weakness or loss of feeling, slurred speech, or sudden changes in vision.
Support a healthy way to manage stress.
Donate blood if you’re able.
Donate to sickle cell charities if you are able.