Happy #WorldSickleCellDay! It our day, a day of celebration, showing our scars and educating others on the importance of encouraging sickle cell awareness and research. Tell your stories, sport your gear, participate in challenges and events, and do the most today, we deserve it. Stay tuned for World #SickleCell Day related posts all day long. #repostforsicklecell #SickleCell101 #SickleCellAwareness

On December 22, 2008, the General Assembly of the United Nations created a resolution that recognized sickle cell disease as a global public health concern. This resolution urged the member countries and UN organizations to raise awareness at national and international levels on the 19th of June annually. The first World Sickle Cell Day was celebrated on June 19, 2009. #RepostForSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCell101 #WorldSickleCellDay

In a study conducted by evolutionary biologist, Fred Piel and his colleagues, they estimated a 30% increase of sickle cell disease births, primarily in #Nigeria and Democratic Republic of #Congo. This is why we believe sickle cell education, awareness surrounding screening for trait status are needed in these and other countries. #RepostForSickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #SickleCell101 #WorldSickleCellDay

In collaboration with @sicklecellmatters throughout the day we are going to be posting important #sicklecell facts. We encourage you to repost these facts and under the hashtag #RepostForSickleCell. Its aim is to magnify awareness efforts in a collective manner under one hashtag. If you are posting your own content (i.e. any selfies in your sickle cell gear or any sickle cell related pictures) please be sure to include the hashtag #RepostForSickleCell as well. You can download posts for World Sickle Cell Day at sc101.org/social-media-posts or in a link in the bio. #sicklecell101 #worldsicklecellday

I'm fighting #sicklecell disease everyday. I'm fighting pain and fatigue on a daily basis. I'm fighting back tears, to keep a smile on my face. I'm fighting stigmas and discriminations. Everyday that I fight is a battle won. June 19 is #WorldSickleCellDay and I need you know about my fight against sickle cell disease. What are you fighting for? ________________ #sicklecell101 #sicklecellawareness

Together, we can replace fear with knowledge and build a future filled with hope and better health.