By Tifany Hill
Each September we observe Sickle Cell Awareness month to shed light on a condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 13 Black or African-American babies is born with the Sickle Cell Trait.
AFIYA Magazine had the opportunity to speak with Carmen Cummings who has made a commitment to raising awareness on sickle cell anemia within the community. Carmen shared more about her annual event, the Crescent Moon Gala held in Tallahassee, how sickle cell has impacted her life personally, and what we all need to know about this condition.
1) What is the purpose of the Crescent Moon Gala in Tallahassee?
The Crescent Moon Gala is is an annual event that celebrates the lives of patients battling sickle cell anemia who are truly warriors. The goal is to raise awareness about their struggles and strides while raising money for the Sickle Cell Foundation of the Big Bend. We also honor patients, medical professionals and community members for their tenacity, perseverance and service with the Courage Award, the Servants Heart Award, and Humanitarian of the Year.
2) How has sickle cell played a role in your life?
Sickle cell anemia impacted our lives profoundly as a family when our son Nicholas Martin was diagnosed at birth eighteen years ago. Our family started the Crescent Moon Gala when Nicholas was just two years old. It was our way of putting a positive vibe on a negative curve that hit us as parents. It has truly been a journey caring for him; one filled with numerous hospitalizations, surgeries, blood transfusions, family hardship, and sometimes medical uncertainty about his future. However, we are a strong family of faith. There has been lots of prayer, patience and perseverance that has sustained us as a family.
3) What are some common misconceptions surrounding Sickle Cell?
There are myths that it is just a “black disease”, but that’s not exactly true. While hundreds of thousands of people have sickle cell anemia or the sickle cell trait, it is a disease that impacts an assortment of cultures including those of Greek, Pakistani, Hispanic, Turkish and Asian descent. There is research that also shows that at least one percent of Caucasians are impacted, as well.
The journey with a loved one battling this disease is always filled with uncertainty. One minute all seems well, and the next you may find that you’re heading to the hospital again. All you can do is it take one day at a time and remember the three P’s – prayer, patience and perseverance.
4) How does the Sickle Cell foundation offer assistance to those living with the condition?
The Sickle Cell Foundation of the Big Bend offers a broad range of assistance including support to clients struggling with utility bills and financial assistance to those who may have to travel to other cities for additional medical treatment. It also offers scholarship help for those who are in trying to remain in college, trainings and workshops on the latest health maintenance programs and medical developments, and forums to promote dialogue among patients and parents about ideas that have worked for them live with sickle cell anemia.
5) What would be your advice for those living with a family member or friend who deals with this condition?
The journey with a loved one battling this disease is always filled with uncertainty. One minute all seems well, and the next you may find that you’re heading to the hospital again. All you can do is it take one day at a time and remember the three P’s – prayer, patience and perseverance. That’s the prescription to help you stay the course because your loved one will need you to do that. We truly thank you Tifany Hill and AFIYA Magazine for supporting this cause by helping of raise awareness about life with sickle cell anemia.
6) How can people support or get in contact with the Sickle Cell Foundation?
Donations are always needed and appreciated. They can be directed to the Sickle Cell Foundation of the Big Bend.
AFIYA Magazine looks to enhance the awareness and knowledge of wellness issues important to African-American women while providing a platform for us to grow, expand, and develop within our personal and professional lives.
