World Sickle Cell Day Brunch 2023
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous partners for their invaluable support in making our World Sickle Cell Day brunch a resounding success. Your generosity and dedication to supporting those affected by sickle cell disease has made a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by this condition. View our event partners here
In honour of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, NotJustYou hosted an intimate brunch on June 17th, bringing together individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, and supporting members of the community. This gathering aimed to foster a sense of community, continue ongoing awareness about the disease's impact on communities of colour, and celebrate the resilience of those living with sickle cell disease.
With a mission to educate, motivate, and celebrate, NotJustYou strives to empower individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, shedding light on their unique experiences and inspiring hope for a fulfilling life beyond the challenges they face.
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders that affects millions of people globally. This condition arises from a genetic mutation that alters the shape of red blood cells, causing them to become rigid and assume a crescent shape. Consequently, individuals with sickle cell disease may experience severe health complications, including pain, anemia, stroke, and organ damage. Notably, communities of colour, particularly those of African descent, are disproportionately affected by this condition.
NotJustYou is a dedicated organization committed to providing support to individuals and families navigating its challenges. By offering resources, fostering community engagement, and celebrating the triumphs of those living with sickle cell disease, NotJustYou seeks to eliminate the shame and stigma associated with the condition.
When we vocalize our passion to “strengthen our community around sickle cell,” we really mean it. This year’s Sickle Cell Awareness Day brunch served as a platform for families and friends to come together, and forge powerful connections with each other. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and greet each other and engage in enlightening conversations over a range of delicious breakfast and brunch options.
Our cozy afternoon winded down with a special expert panel of four honoured guests who engaged in some inclusive dialogue, sharing their personal experiences with sickle cell, insights, coping strategies, and words of encouragement for warriors and sickle supporters alike. This panel emphasized the importance of raising awareness about sickle cell disease to address the healthcare disparities faced by communities of colour, and the work to be done across many other aspects of society to eradicate the shame and stigma associated with the disease. We are especially grateful to our featured panelists, Osasere Odiase, Valissa Providence, and Azeez Ahmed, for their incredible contributions to this ongoing conversation and to our wonderful host Kaiha Marah.
NotJustYou's Sickle Cell Awareness Day brunch served as a poignant reminder that while sickle cell disease presents many challenges, individuals can lead fulfilling lives, defying societal expectations, and overcoming limitations. The event celebrated the resilience of those affected by sickle cell disease and sought to inspire hope and motivation. By promoting awareness, fostering a sense of community, and supporting ongoing research, NotJustYou continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families affected by this condition. Together, we can create a future where sickle cell disease no longer carries a burden of shame, but rather serves as a catalyst for positive change and celebration of life's triumphs.
Our generous partners for this event include:
SPICE’d Childcare Services
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Goava Studio
Sobeys Inc.
Save-On-Foods
Rodan+Fields
junSIXTH
Wonago Media