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The mission of National Sickle Cell Advocacy Day (April 2-3, 2014) is to not only raise awareness and promote more education about this disease, but to also push for more funding and better treatment programs. This year, another main focus was the re-authorization of the Sickle Cell Treatment Act, which was passed in 2003 by President George W. Bush. 

But after the crowds leave The Hill and head back to their respective homes, how can you ensure that you do your part in pushing for more government funding for sickle cell research? 

1. Contact your senators and congressional representatives. Let your voice be heard and get in touch with your reps about pushing for more funding for sickle cell research and educational programs. To find out who represents your state, click here; you can choose to e-mail, snail mail, or call. 

2. Participate in a local sickle cell run/walk. There are several that take place all over the country throughout the year. Simply search the Internet for events happening near you and register. Not a fan of running or walking? No worries -- these types of events always need volunteers, so you can contribute to the cause in that way, as well. If there don't happen to be any run/walks taking place in your area, you can always organize your own. Find out how here. 

To get you started in your search, we've compiled a brief list of upcoming events in some cities: 

8th Annual Stomp Out Sickle Cell 5K Walk, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014; Freedom Plaza, Washington, DC 

17th Walter E. Brandon Sickle Cell 5K Walk/Run, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014; Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA 

Tackle Sickle Cell 5K Run/Walk 2014, Saturday, June 14, 2014; Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ 

Mark Walden Memorial Sickle Cell 5K, Saturday, October 18, 2014; Autozone Park, Memphis, TN 

3. Join a local chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA). As an advocate with the SCDAA, you'll be put in touch with national and legislative proponents of sickle cell. Through your contacts, you'll be able to help educate the public about this disease and help those suffering from it by staying on top of -- and advocating for -- new programs, services, and research. Click here to find a chapter near you, or e-mail the SCDAA at scdaa@sicklecelldisease.org.