Photos: Twitter
World Sickle Cell Day is Friday (June 19), and as you know, this day is extremely important to the sickle cell community -- warriors, family, and other supporters -- because it gives us an official chance to bring awareness to this disease globally. Educating the entire world may seem like a daunting task, but when you join with others who have the same cause, you can really make a difference. That's why we're bringing you a round-up of four virtual campaigns to join this year. Put all of your efforts toward one or split your campaigning among all of them!
1) #KnowYourGenotype
The movement behind this hashtag is that everyone should have their blood tested before marriage and/or before having children, so partners can be aware of each other's sickle cell status (or lack thereof). This can help prevent more sickle cell births, thus working toward an eventual future of SCD eradication. To join, simply post your sickle cell status and/or your SS type to Twitter and tag #KnowYourGenotype.
2) #BoldLipsForSickleCell
Like ALS's ice bucket challenge, SCD's #BoldLipsForSickleCell campaign can easily go viral -- but to make it do so, we've got to show support and get our friends and family to, as well. Joining this crusade is simple -- and fun! All you have to do is take a selfie of you (or of you and your friends) rockin' a bold lip color, upload your selfie to social media, and tag it #BoldLipsForSickleCell.
3) #SpeakOnSickleCellObama
Let POTUS know how important it is that he speak out on SCD in support of World Sickle Cell Day by tweeting and retweeting #SpeakOnSickleCellObama. Doing so several times a day -- especially on June 19 -- will flood his mentions with a powerful message he surely cannot ignore.
4) #SleevesUp
The American Red Cross makes it easy to start your own virtual #SleevesUp campaign -- or to join one that already exists. Just visit this website, create your campaign, and invite your friends/family/social media community to pledge their support by promising to donate blood to sickle cell warriors.
Which of these campaigns are you planning to join? We'd love to see how you help spread awareness this World Sickle Cell Day. When you tag your campaign, also tag @XickleRBC so we can highlight your efforts, as well!
