On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the dedicated volunteers Itiah Angels for Learning proudly hosted a table at the Top Ladies of Distinction Inc. 6th Annual 2K Color Fun Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Run, Walk, Ride. Our participation in the event was more than just an opportunity to raise awareness to our charity, it was also a chance to learn about the challenges and latest advances in treating those living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a cause close to many hearts. Our invitation came from Ms. Coreen Grooms, a dedicated leader with extensive experience in civic and social organizations. Grooms is currently serving as the 3rd Vice President at the NAACP.
One of the proud sponsors of the event was the Sickle Cell Association of NJ (SCANJ). We were honored to have the opportunity to share the mission of our organization with the community and to connect with local leaders, including the Mayor of Trenton, Reed Gusciora, Councilman Kevin Baxter of Ewing, Ms. Taneka Veal, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Andrew Bobbitt.
According to Hackensack Meridian Health, even though over 5,000 children in NJ are reported to have SCD, the number who receive advanced treatments (gene therapy, stem cell transplant) remains relatively small. As per NJ.gov, access to specialized care is uneven, and many people with SCD rely on emergency departments rather than continuous, comprehensive care.
A new pilot program (with funding) is recent, and its full impact in terms of improved health outcomes is not yet measured.
Access to this kind of valuable information in a fun and insightful way is vital for our community. Overall, this event is not just meaningful, it’s an annual tradition we cannot afford to miss.
To engage our community, we organized a raffle for participants who subscribed to the ITIAH Bulletin Monthly Newsletter. Subscribers encourage our student volunteers to keep writing.
We were excited to announce our two raffle winners:
- $50 Gift Card
- $70 Bottle of Cologne: Anna Sui Sundae Pretty Pink Eau De Toilette
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by our table to register, signed up, and supported our mission. Together, we continue to spread love through education and awareness.
Please email us at info@itiahangels.org to let us know about your upcoming event.
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