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WHEREAS, the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 22, 2008, adopted a resolution, drafted by the Democratic Republic of Congo, to recognize June 19th as World Sickle Cell Day, on June 19th of each year - starting in 2009 - which raises awareness that sickle cell disease as a serious world health problem;
WHEREAS, Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions of people throughout the world and is particularly common among those whose ancestors came from sub-Saharan Africa; Spanish-speaking regions in the Western Hemisphere (South America, the Caribbean, and Central America); Saudi Arabia; India; and Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy; and,
WHEREAS, it is recognized that sickle cell disease is one of the world’s widespread genetic diseases, that it has severe physical, psychological and social consequences for those affected and their families, and,
WHEREAS, sickle cell disease is the only genetic disease that is both rare and neglected; affecting approximately 100,000 individuals in the United States and millions worldwide, and,
WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to raise public awareness about sickle cell disease and to eliminate health disparities and stigma associated with the disease; and
WHEREAS, the Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc. is a local community-based organization founded in 2002 as an organization for families by families to engage, educate, and empower; and which has created and implemented programs such as: family support, family leadership, transition to adulthood, and educational support; and
WHEREAS, the Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a Benefit Gala to celebrate the impact the Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation has had in supporting children and adults who are “Living Well with Sickle Cell®”; and
WHEREAS, the Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation’s Benefit Gala will raise funds to support children and adults living with sickle cell disease and their families which include, but are not limited to - support for basic needs, transportation, education, wrap-around services, and research; and
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Council of the City of Pittsburgh recognizes and embraces the efforts of the Children's Sickle Cell Foundation and their commitment to bringing quality programs to the children, adults and families that are affected by sickle cell disease.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Friday, October 7, 2022 to be “Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.