Climbing for a Cause: The Kilimanjaro Hike Raising Awareness for Sickle Cell

In a unique initiative to raise awareness and funds for sickle cell disease, a group of passionate advocates and healthcare professionals are gearing up to hike Mount Kilimanjaro. This ambitious endeavor aims to spotlight the urgent need for better healthcare and resources for sickle cell patients in Africa and the United States. The hike is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a symbolic journey that represents the uphill battle faced by millions of individuals suffering from sickle cell disease globally. The Inspiration Behind the Hike The idea for the hike, which takes place September 11-17, originated from Dr. Alan Anderson, a pediatric hematologist/oncologist, who has dedicated his career to supporting sickle cell warriors in the United States and Africa. “The outcomes for many individuals in Africa are terrible—over 80 percent die before the age of five in many countries. This is because people simply don’t get diagnosed, and they don’t receive very basic treatment like antibiotics and vaccinations,” Dr. Ted Love, a long-time friend of Dr. Anderson, seasoned cardiologist and former CEO of Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) tells BlackDoctor.org.  This heartbreaking reality, along with his personal experiences and observations as a young African American medical student, motivated Dr. Love...