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World Sickle Cell Day- June 19
Spread the Word- Tell 6 people about SCD on 06-19-2015!
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD):
In Canada, an estimated 5000 individuals are living with sickle cell disease, and although incidence will vary
among provinces, up to 1 in every 2500 babies will be born with it.
Sickle cell disease results from an abnormality of haemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen
within red blood cells. The sickle mutation causes haemoglobin to crystallize, damaging the red
blood cell and making it rigid and brittle, and giving it its classic sickle shape. The tendency of
these cells to disintegrate (hemolysis) results in anemia and jaundice, while their stiffness causes
them to obstruct small blood vessels, starving the tissues downstream of oxygen. The typical
manifestations of these processes include:
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Severe pain episodes which will impact on daily quality of life, affect the ability of a child to
attend school properly, and of adults to attend work regularly.
Increased risk of stroke
Increased mortality due to acute and chronic complications (examples include death due to
severe bacterial infections, to lung complications, stroke, or acute anemia)
Increased morbidity due to acute and chronic complications and progressive organ damage
(examples are leg ulcers, kidney failure, vision loss and bone necrosis)
Reduced life expectancy by 30 years compared to normal Canadian population.
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada/L’Association D’Anémie Falciforme Du Canada
(SCDAC/AAFC) and its member organizations are committed to increasing awareness about Sickle
Cell Disease (SCD), and enhancing methods of identification, diagnosis, and treatment towards
improving the quality of life of affected individuals and their families.
On December 22nd, 2008, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution
recognizing Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) as a public health concern. According to World Health
Organization’s estimate, over 100 million people world-wide live with sickle cell. Here in Canada,
many remain oblivious to the existence of the disease, and yet the number of affected patients
continues to grow.
On May 5th, 2015, in order to increase awareness of the disease, Senator Jane Cordy on behalf of the
SCDAC/AAFC introduced Bill S-227 calling for Canada to recognize June 19 as the National Sickle
Cell Awareness Day. The Bill made its second reading on May 12th 2015. A National Sickle Cell
Awareness Day will increase knowledge and open the door for a coordinated health plan for
thousands living with the disease in our country.
1030 Mountcastle Crescent, Pickering, Ontario L1V 5H9 Canada!
Today, SCDAC/AAFC and its member organizations celebrate Canadians living with SCD and wish
everyone a very healthy, fun, and knowledge-sharing June 19 2015. We ask you to spread the word
by educating 6 people on SCD on June 19, 2015
To learn more about Bill S-227 and the numerous advocacy works of the SCDAC/AAFC; visit:
http://www.sicklecelldisease.ca/advocacy/current-activities/
For interview and other media matters; contact us at:
[email protected]
Sincerely,
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Lanre Tunji-Ajayi,
President & CEO
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Jacob Pendergrast, MD, FRCPC
Chair, Medical Advisory Board
Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada/ Association d’Anémie Falciforme du Canada
Website: www.sicklecelldisease.ca
E-mail: [email protected]
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1030 Mountcastle Crescent, Pickering, Ontario L1V 5H9 Canada!