Sickle Cell Advocates Continue Push for the Cure

Shown are organizers Circuit Court Judge Lester Bass, and wife Dr. Selena Webster-Bass, who lost their son to sickle cell disease.

The Richard Webster-Bass Health Institute (RWBHI), a non-profit organization that supports sickle cell families and advances in health equity convened their annual ‘Health, Hope and Healing Sickle Cell Symposium’ at Florida State College Jacksonville (FSCJ) – Downtown Campus. In partnership with FSCJ Nursing Program. Over 100 participants learned about the differences between sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease variants, transitioning from the pediatric to the adult health care system, mental well-being and recent advances in sickle cell management and treatment.

The (RWBHI) also awarded four scholarships to students living with sickle cell and welcomed The Enoch Hudson Memorial Foundation whom awarded a scholarship in honor of their son, who transitioned earlier this year to Andrew Pinney.

One in 10 African Americans live with sickle cell trait equating to over 100,000 individuals. Sickle cell is caused by an imperfection of the red blood cells.

“Yes, there are new treatments and major advancements such as stem cell transplants have been made. Yet, there is no universal cure,” said Dr. Selena Bass. “We want those living with sickle cell to know that you’re not alone and your imperfect cells are no reflection of your divine identity, greatness and overcoming power. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Dr. Bass and her husband started the institute after losing a son to sickle cell who succumbed to the disease in 1999 at the tender age of 22 months. The organization was also honored with the naming of a Nemours Children’s Health exam room in his honor cementing the legacy of young master Richard Webster-Bass.

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