This week on WCLK's The Local Take(Saturdays 8am) I speak with Dr. Lisa Smith, Executive Director of STAR (Sickle Cell Transplant Advocacy and Research Alliance) and Be The Match about the Annual Sickle Cell Anemia 5K. This event is happening virtually tomorrow, Saturday, September 19th. September is Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month.
Dr. Smith spoke of her hopes that the virtual race would extend their footprint and increase their fundraising. It is also a creative way to bring people together apart for a common cause.
Dr. Smith shares information about the alliance between their organization and Be The Match a nonprofit that provides bone marrow data base for sickle cell anemia patients.
As we hear more about bone marrow transplants being a "cure" for sickle cell anemia, I ask Dr. Smith how close are we to an acutal cure and if this procedure is the answer. She explains that this is a complicated question. She speaks to younger children experiencing fewer challenges with the procedure as opposed to children over the age of 10.
Smith encourages everyone to participate in their fundraiser. You can walk, run or act as a virtual cheerleader.
For More Information on STAR
For More Information on Be The Match
For More Information on Dr. Lisa Logan Smith