Awareness
help spread the word about sickle cell disease
Education
learn about the impact of sickle cell disease
Hope
find out about research for new treatments and a universal cure
HELPFUL INFORMATION TO SUPPORT
YOUR EFFORTS TO SHINE THE LIGHT!
Shine The Light On
Sickle Cell
A national awareness campaign to celebrate World Sickle Cell Awareness Day on June 19, 2023.
We invite you to join with friends, family, neighbors and others in
your community, as people around the nation and across the
globe, host and hold local gatherings to shine the light on sickle
cell disease. Together, we must and will find a universal cure for
sickle cell disease!
Want more information about organizing an event?
Download and share these resources as you prepare to Shine the Light!
See How Philadelphia Shined the Light in 2022!
What is Shine the Light on Sickle Cell?
Sickle Cell Disease community-based organizations are organizing gatherings all across the nation and around the world to “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell Disease” while celebrating World Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Day in order to elevate awareness of this serious public health concern affecting more than 100,000 people in the United States and 100 million people around the world.
Who is organizing Shine the Light on Sickle Cell?
Shine the Light on Sickle Cell is organized by SiNERGe (Sickle Cell improvement in the NorthEast ReGion through education) Community-Based Organizations. Shine the Light is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as part of the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Project. For more information, visit HRSA.gov.
Members of the 2023 Planning Committee for Shine the Light are:
Chair, Shine the Light on Sickle Cell Planning Committee
Zemoria Brandon
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter (PA)
Chair, Outreach Subcommittee
Barbara Harrison
Sickle Cell Association of the National Capital Area, Inc (DC)
- Betty Johnson, Association for the Prevention of Sickle Cell Anemia, Harford and Cecil Counties, and the Eastern Shore (MD)
- Syreeta Jones, Sickle Cell Association of the National Captial Area, Inc. (DC)
- Janet Tripp, Sickle Cell Association of Delaware (DE)
- Darlene Young, Sickle Cell Association of New Jersey (NJ)
Chair, Public Relations Subcommittee
Judy Anderson
Sickle Cell Association (VA)
- Sarahia Benn, Association for the Prevention of Sickle Cell Anemia, Harford and Cecil Counties, and the Eastern Shore (MD)
Chair, Social Media Subcommittee
Murine Lusakweno-Chandler
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter (PA)
- Teanika Hoffman, Sickle Cell Coalition of Maryland (MD)
- Isaiah Martin, Sickle Cell Association of New Jersey (NJ)
What is the cost to participate in the Shine the Light on Sickle Cell?
There is no cost to participate in Shine the Light.
Does Shine the Light on Sickle Cell raise money or collect fees?
We do not collect money or fees in connection with Shine the Light. Community-based and non-profit organizations are solely responsible for the events and activities that they organize to celebrate Shine the Light. Please refer to the specific organization for details about the costs, if any, associated with their events or activities.
Is participation limited to community-based organizations and non-profit organizations?
Anyone, and any type of business or organization, can participate in Shine the Light! Take a look at the Community Gathering Guide for tips on how to join in.
How can community-based organizations and non-profit organizations get involved?
Hosting a Shine the Light community gathering is easy … just follow these 5 steps:
- Select … a program/activity/event
- Prepare … for your gathering
- Promote … your gathering
- Hold … your gathering on June 19
- Celebrate … your success
No registration is required to host a Shine the Light.
But, we’d love to hear about it! Tweet us @WEPSCF or post a note on the Shine the Light Facebook Event page.
Shine the Light on Sickle Cell is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as part of the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Project.
For more information visit HRSA.gov.
