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.

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 2022 Planning Committee for Shine the Light are:

Zemoria Brandon

Chair, Shine the Light Planning Committee

Administrator/Social Worker, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter

Judy Anderson

Chair, STL Public Relations Subcommittee

Executive Director, Sickle Cell Association, Norfolk, Virginia

Public Relations Subcommittee Members – Regina Hartfield (SCDAA HQ), Betty Johnson (MD), Mary Bentley LaMar (NJ), Stanley Simpkins (PA)

Barbara Harrison

Chair, STL Outreach Subcommitee

Director at Large, Sickle Cell Association of the National Capital Area, Inc.

Outreach Subcommittee Members – Esme Hilman (NY), Mark Goodwin (NY), Sabrina Lewis (NY), Artisha McCoy (NY), Vivian Okowuagwe (NY), Darlene Young (NJ)

Murine Lusakweno-Chandler

Chair, STL Social Media Subcommitee

Director of Programs, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter

Social Media Subcommittee Members – Deyaniris Espinal (PA), Lya Jackson (NJ), Kieyeitha Ward (NJ)

There is no cost to participate in Shine the Light.

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.

Hosting a Shine the Light community gathering is easy … just follow these 5 steps:

1. Select … a program/activity/event
2. Prepare … for your gathering
3. Promote … your gathering
4. Hold … your gathering on June 19
5. Celebrate … your success

No registration is required to host a Shine the Light.

But, we’d love to hear about it!  Contact us!

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.