Very Bright Worship ServiceFacts to Break Sickle Silence®

September 11- 12, 2010

• Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin that causes the cells to have a sickle shape.

• Sickle cell is an inherited, lifelong disease.

• Sickle-shaped cells are stiff and sticky.

• The cells clump and block blood flow.

• Causing pain, serious infections and organ damage over time.

• People who inherit only one sickle cell gene called sickle cell trait.

• People with the trait lead normal lives with no obvious symptoms.

• They can pass the sickle cell gene to their children.

New treatments:

• Gene therapy

• Bone marrow transplants.

• Yet, funding for more clinical trials is scarce and patient participation remains a challenge.

Sickle Cell is Global:• In the U.S. more than 100,000 people

have sickle cell, primarily affecting African & Latino Americans.

• Also affects families in Africa, South or Central America, Caribbean, Mediterranean countries (Turkey, Greece, and Italy) India, and Saudi Arabia.

• Get involved by joining:

– Very Bright Foundation in raising Sickle Cell awareness

– Visit www.verybight.org for more information.

Together we can Break Sickle Silence®