EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated each year on June 19. Often educational programing is held and a building or attraction is lit in red to commemorate the day. For example the wheel at National Harbor in Maryland has been lit up RED for World Sickle Cell and another years the Red Cross Building in Washingon DC was lit in red. Stay tuned for more on World Sickle Cell day 2026.
While our LIFE Project funded by the Walter Blandly Fund has officially ended, we have continued the book drive and are still accepting donations of new or gently used books.
Dr. Scott established the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease and he was the Center Director until his retirement in 1990. Due in part to his efforts, the 1971 Sickle Cell Disease Control Act was passed and eventually led to the establishment of the Sickle Cell Disease Program at the NIH that funded 10 comprehensive sickle cell centers. Dr. Scott's legacy continues through lectures such as those presented in this symposium. Click HERE for more information.
The John W. Downing Jr. Lectureship honors the retired Howard University pediatric cardiologist. Due to Dr. Downing’s long-standing advocacy for the disadvantaged and underserved, this lectureship will highlight poverty and its effects on health outcomes. Click HERE for more information.
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Cure Sickle Cell Now 5K Walk/Run
This event is held annually and is organized by the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease. Rana Pediatric Fund Staff volunteer and host a table at the event. Stay tuned for information on the 2026 event.
Top Ladies of Distinction has held many annual fundraisers for sickle cell disease and heart disease. Sickle cell proceeds have been donated to Rana Pediatric Fund and the HU Center for Sickle Cell Disease. They also hold educational events along with the fundraisers.
Prince Georges Church of Christ has held many annual fundraisers for sickle cell disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Sickle cell proceeds have been donated to Rana Pediatric Fund. They also hold educational events along with the fundraisers.
Chenoa Cameryn Jones, beloved patient of Dr. Rana, passed away from complications of sickle cell disease in the summer of 2018. Her school, John Hanson Middle held a dessert reception and celebration of life on April 26, 2019. Click HERE for more information. They also held a fundraiser an donated almost $1000 to Rana Pediatric Fund!