2024 World Sickle Cell Day Brunch

To kickoff Summer 2024, NotJustYou hosted our second annual World Sickle Cell Day (WSCD) Brunch! On June 15th, our community came together to mark this important day with a memorable brunch event. The day was filled with inspiring stories and delicious food, all aimed at raising awareness and building a strong support network for those affected by sickle cell disease (SCD).

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.

The World Sickle Cell Day Brunch was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of strength and unity. The event featured inspiring speakers on our guest panel who shared their personal stories and insights into living with sickle cell disease. Their testimonies highlighted the importance of community support and advanced medical care in managing SCD. We are especially grateful to our featured panelists, Emmanuel Boakye, Andre Adeyanju, and Semi Aro-Bamidele, for their incredible contributions to this ongoing conversation and to our wonderful host Esther Marah.

One of the standout moments was a heartfelt speech by Semi, who shared her journey of overcoming challenges and pursuing their dreams despite the illness. This powerful testimony resonated deeply with everyone present and underscored the importance of continued support and advocacy.

As we look back on the success of our second annual WSCD Brunch, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support from our community, sponsors, and volunteers. Your dedication makes events like this possible and helps us continue our mission of raising awareness and supporting those affected by sickle cell disease.

We are excited to see the positive impact of our efforts and look forward to even greater achievements in the future. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to the sickle cell community.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Stay tuned for more updates and join us in our ongoing efforts to support and empower those living with sickle cell disease.

To view the photos from our black and white photo booth, click here.

A special thank you to our generous partners for this event:

Goava Studio
Alberta Blue Cross
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Layered
Tennyola