Sickle Cell 101 Partners with NFL Player Donovan Peoples-Jones to Bolster Awareness and Research for Sickle Cell

San Jose, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 14, 2022) - Wearing custom cleats designed by Sickle Cell 101^[1], scoring a game-changing touchdown, and winning the AFC Special Teams Player Of The Week, all while advocating for sickle cell—that's Cleveland Browns' wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones courageously supporting sickle cell for the third year in a row through the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats Campaign. During weeks 13 and 14 of every season, NFL players have a chance to showcase a cause dear to their hearts wearing custom cleats, and Donovan and Sickle Cell 101^[2] continue to utilize their unified voices through this campaign to advocate for more education, research, and funding for sickle cell.

Sickle Cell 101^[3] is a non profit organization that uses the innovative approach of digital advocacy to provide education and patient-focused research for sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait. Over the past 9 years, Sickle Cell 101 has evolved into a global brand, with platforms that advocate for all individuals affected by the disease.

While Peoples-Jones does not himself have sickle-cell disease, he is very aware of the challenges and disparities this disease presents. Although anyone, irrespective of race or ethnicity, can be affected by sickle cell disease, it is highly prevalent in people of black or African descent. "With sickle cell being the first molecular disorder discovered in modern medicine, it is shocking that this disease which disproportionately affects the black community continues to be one with the least amount of treatment options" echoes Donovan in a recent post to announce this partnership. Donovan's choice of partnering with Sickle Cell 101 for this campaign demonstrates his passion and support for his community.

Sickle Cell 101 conducted a contest on its social media platforms to come up with the winning entry for the design that was featured on Donovan's cleats. Many artists submitted their entries for the contest, and the winner was chosen by Sickle Cell 101's followers through an online poll. The design features several hashtags that are commonly associated with the condition.

"Sickle cell is often reduced to "that black disease," which comes with its own implications. Too often, many of us die unnecessarily due to malpractice within healthcare. We are neglected in ER wait rooms, stigmatized against, and doctors either don't know or don't care to learn how to provide sufficient care. Donovan Peoples-Jones is courageously making sure we are well represented and seen," said Cassandra Trimnell, Founder and Executive Director of Sickle Cell 101.

Sickle Cell 101 is the largest global digital patient organization that leads education and advocacy efforts for sickle cell, with over 50,000 followers on social media platforms spread across 110 countries. The organization also provides evidence based information on research and clinical trials in patient friendly language via its Sickle Cell Studies^[4] platform and partners with key institutions and several trusted organizations and pharmaceutical companies. "Our goal through this partnership with Donovan Peoples-Jones and the NFL is to continue to bring sickle cell education to the forefront of the global community while advocating for more research and treatment options for patients," concludes Dr. Stephen Boateng, Director of Research and Partnerships.

About Sickle Cell 101:

Sickle Cell 101^[5] is a nonprofit organization that connects, educates and empowers the worldwide sickle cell community through targeted digital engagement and data-driven initiatives. As the largest global digital patient organization that specializes in sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait education, we strive to advocate for improved funding for research and health equity for the global sickle cell community.

Media Contact:Name: Cassandra TrimnellEmail: hello@sc101.org^[6]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/148033^[7]

References

1. ^{^} Sickle Cell 101 (www.newsfilecorp.com)
2. ^{^} Sickle Cell 101 (www.newsfilecorp.com)
3. ^{^} Sickle Cell 101 (www.newsfilecorp.com)
4. ^{^} Sickle Cell Studies (www.newsfilecorp.com)
5. ^{^} Sickle Cell 101 (www.newsfilecorp.com)
6. ^{^} hello@sc101.org (www.newsfilecorp.com)
7. ^{^} https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/148033 (www.newsfilecorp.com)