Marquette To Host Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Event
MILWAUKEE — Marquette University will host a virtual photo exhibition titled “During COVID, Sickle Cell Disease Continues,” from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., Friday, June 18.
The exhibition will feature select photographs taken by young adults living with sickle cell disease to give attendees a better understanding of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on those with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is an inherited group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down, which leaves a shortage of healthy red blood cells and impeded blood flow causing pain, infections, and fatigue.
The event is organized through Photovoice Project — a community-based research effort to give a voice to young adults affected by sickle cell disease.
Sharonda Sikes will lead the event. Sikes is the founder and lead advocate of The Red Chair Project, an organization that provides support, education, and empowerment for those living with sickle cell disease, as well as their families and communities. Over the years, Sikes has hosted numerous concerts, photo shoots and other projects to increase sickle cell awareness.
The event, which will take place on Zoom, is free and open to the public.
Media interested in covering the event should contact Shelby Williamson in the Office of Marketing and Communication at shelby.williamson@marquette.edu or (262) 441-0516.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.