Sickle cell anemia is a severe hereditary form of anemia in which a mutated form of hemoglobin distorts the red blood cells into a crescent or sickle shape at low oxygen levels. Sickle cells do not last as long as normal, round red blood cells. This leads to anemia. The sickle cells get stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow, which can cause pain and organ damage. Individuals of African descent have a higher propensity to be affected than any other group. On October 2, 2017 members of the Rho Xi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. helped the coordinators of the Walk for Sickle Cell with course set-up and registration. The coordinators were grateful for the uplift of the community for the 20th anniversary of this event that was established by the late Pastor Marc Thomas. This grassroots agency has outreached to over 150,000 and provides numerous services to families suffering from sickle cell disease.
