Sickle Cell Anemia also known as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder seen prominently in persons of African descent. It includes a group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down. With SCD red blood cells contort into a sickle shape, which can block blood flow causing pain, infections, and fatigue. The cells are then unable to carry much-needed oxygen to the body. The blood cells die early, leaving a shortage of healthy red blood cells. Over 100,000 people or eight to ten percent of  the African American population suffers with SCD. Sickle cell trait can also affect Hispanics, South Asians, Caucasians and southern European and people of Middle Eastern countries. Current treatments include medications, blood transfusions, and rarely bone-marrow transplants. Efforts are underway to standardize treatment in hospitals in Maryland.

The mission of the Sickle Cell Association of Harford/Cecil Counties & the Eastern Shore  is to provide education, medical and financial assistance to individuals with SCD, broadening public awareness; and raising funds to assist medical research and education. The Association is a private, nonprofit 501c3 organization that incorporated in 1982 and is among the oldest service organizations in the State of Maryland.

According to a Harford & Cecil Counties Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation Walk-A-Thon history pamphlet, published in September 1995, the Annual, Sickle Cell Walk-A-Thon originated as an idea of Ms. Wanda Currie. Ms. Currie, was a member of Black Youth in Action (BYA) and had a young friend, Ms. Alexander, who passed away from Sickle Cell disease in the early 1970’s. Ms. Currie brought her concerns and the idea of holding a walk-a-thon to bring awareness of  the disorder to the community. Educators, Ms. Mazie Taylor, Ms. Viola Jones, Ms. Odessa Phillips, and others in Black Youth in Action Adult leadership took the lead in getting the Harford & Cecil County Chapter started. In the 2000’s, the Eastern Shore of Maryland joined the Association, and they now join efforts during blood drives and fund-raising activities.

In the early 1970’s a meeting was held to discuss the possibility of having the Harford County Walk-A-Thon. Participants included the Harford County March of Dimes and various county organizations, including churches, clubs, the leadership of Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) and others.

After it was determined to be feasible, the first Harford-Cecil County Walk-A-Thon took place on Sunday, May 19, 1974. This was reported to be the first Walk-A-Thon held to raise funds for Sickle Cell disease in the United States. With a route that began in Havre de Grace and ended at Carlton Miller Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6054 on Spesutie Road in Perryman, the event was a tremendous success. The first walk drew approximately two hundred participants and raised approximately six thousand dollars with funds raised by each participant. The organization made donations to the Howard University Sickle Cell Research Foundation.

Subsequent walks were greatly supported by APG personnel under the urging of Mr. Raymond “Ray” Pollard of the Test and Evaluation Command (TEC). The Walk held in 1980 had over 900 participants and drew the likes of local celebrities includig TV personalities Jean Ross, Oprah Winfrey from WJZ-TV and Tim Watts from 95.9 FM Radio in Baltimore. Ranging in ages from 4-68, walkers represented the Susquehanna Job Corp, the Marine Administration Detachment at APG, along with the U.S. Army OC & S Brigade at APG. Over the years routes and checkpoints changed, with volunteers at rest stop staffed by community organizations, including US Army personnel, the Esquires  Motorcycle & Van Club, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Phi Psi and Kapa Alpha Psi fraternities. The Susquehanna Optimist Club of Aberdeen and Havre de Grace, American Legion Post 55, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and other groups representing fraternal organizations and churches in both Harford and Cecil County provided support. Walks typically highlighted local children suffering with the disorder and culminated with an annual Awards Banquet. The last walk was held on September 21, 2014, beginning at Millard Tydings Park in Havre de Grace, MD.

In addition to walks, the organization began holding charity golf events under the watchful eye of Col (USA Ret.) Gene Chandler, at Ruggles Golf Course, Wetlands Golf Course and Bulle’ Rock Golf Course. The 17th Annual Golf Tournament held June 24, 2006, raised $15,000 for charity. The SCA volunteers also participated in parades and other community events around the state.

The last Golf tournament to support SCD was on June 15, 2015, at Bulle Rock Golf Course. Today, funds raised continue to support various organizations and aid in patient care at local hospitals.