ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - September is sickle cell awareness month and one local organization is working to spread knowledge about the disease here in Central Louisiana.

On September 18, community members gathered inside the Alexandria Convention Center for the 27th Annual Sickle Cell Gala.

The event is hosted by the Sickle Cell Anemia Resource Foundation (SCARF), which has served families in Cenla for over 50 years.

This year’s theme was: “Giving Sickle Cell the Boot.”

The gala featured guest speakers living with the disease, honored those who’ve helped secure research funding, and recognized local doctors treating patients across the region.

According to the CDC , sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the U.S.. More than 90% of those affected are black or African Amer

See Full Page