PHILIPSBURG/MARIGOT – The Sint Maarten Sickle Cell Foundation represented by Vanessa Mathew, Kurt Sprott, Leona Marlin-Romeo, and Richard Marlin, all joined the Northern side Sickle Cell Association in its first walk-a-thon to bring about the awareness of the disease on Sunday August 9th.
Over 100 supporters participated in the event which made it quite a success. According to the information distributed from the French association; there are 400 new cases each year and 16,000 patients in France.
Statistics on Dutch Sint Maarten is still pending. Information about the disease was distributed in French and The Sint Maarten Sickle Cell Foundation provided information in English.
The two organizations have pledged continuous cooperation with each other as there is a need to bring about awareness throughout both sides of the island.
The disease is a genetic disease unlike others and have fatal consequences if proper care is not given.
The Foundation is currently looking for members and volunteers, and is urging the community to support its endeavours.
For more information about the foundation email sxmscf@hotmail.com or call 550-2355/5887723.
The foundation can also be found on Facebook.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Some of the participants from the two Sickle Cell Organizations from the Dutch and French sides.
