http://digital.lib.buffalo.edu/upimage/VF_I18G_044.pdf

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Part of BSU holds annual Sickle Cell Auction to raise awareness for disease, September 30, 2015

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BSD holds annual
Sickle
Cell .Auction to raise awareness for disease
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Talent shows brings in
more than $1,200 in
donations
TY ADAMS
STAFF WRITER

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Sickle hemoglobin is shaped differently sort of like microscopic bananas. The sick­
le shape causes blood blockage and intense
pain . •
For some familie.s, the sickness brings
tragedy.
"My ,sister passed away from sickle cell at
age 8," said Stephen Parker, a pastor and UB
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Stampede bus driver.
For dthers with the sickness themselves,
it's a constant, daily struggle.
"I'm always in and out of the hospital -actually I just got out of the hospital this
past week," said Daywon Jackson, one of
the hosts of the auction and a SUNY Buffa­
lo State student.
Jackson said the typical life spans of those
with sickle cell anemia are lower ·than nor­
mal people - about the mid-40s.H e said his
childhood friend died of sickle cell at the
age of 26.
Jackson said he feels like he is aging quick­
\ er than he should be and that it takes a lot
of energy for him to do simple physical tasks.

A lively crowd and live performances
weren't the only reasons why students and
community members attended the Black
Student Union's (BSU) sickle cell auction on
Sunday.
When the .audience was asked how many
people knew someone with sickle cell ane­
mia, just about every hand went up.
BSU held its annual Sickle Cell Auction
on Sunday in the Student Union Theater.
Every year, BSlJ holds the auction to not
only raise awareness. for sickle cell anemia,
but to also raise as much money as it can for
the cause. Altogether, BSU raised $1,242.48
in donations, slightly iess than last year's to­
tal of more than $1,400. All proceeds went
He educated the audience on certo Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo.
Attendees paid a $5 fee to see many dif- tain things about sickle cell and plead- ;
ferent performances, with acts from all over ed the audience to not to take it lightBuffalo coming to perform. After each per- ly.
formance, attendees could donate a respec"Please go and get tested for the
o n how sicl