All NewsSnapshotsStudentsSickle Cell Disease Discussed at Benefit Dinner Olivia DrakeNovember 11, 20163minWesleyan, in conjunction with the New England Sickle Cell Institute and the Citizens for Quality Sickle Cell Care, hosted a benefit dinner for sickle cell disease awareness and research on Nov. 10 in the Daniel Family Commons. Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic abnormality that affects how red blood cells develop. These unusually shaped red blood cells can become stuck in blood vessels and don’t live as long as healthy, normal blood cells. Sickle cell disease mainly affects people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Eastern Mediterranean and Asian origin. Guest speakers shared their experiences on the ways sickle cell disease has impacted their lives, and staff from various organizations spoke about their cause. Attendees were treated to dinner in exchange for making a donation to sickle cell research. The event was organized by Shardonay Pagett ’18 and Praise Owoyemi ’18. “The goal of the benefit dinner was to bring awareness and provide up to date information about this illness, as well as raise money to go towards sickle cell research,” Owoyemi said. (Photos by Rebecca Goldfarb Terry ’19) studentsstudents of color Related Articles All NewsIn the Media April 17, 2024 Mike Mavredakis Wesleyan in the News: April 2024 All NewsAlumniArts & HumanitiesFaculty April 17, 2024 Mike Mavredakis Wesleyan Faculty, Alumnus Awarded Guggenheim Fellowships in Choreography, Theatre All NewsArts & HumanitiesCampus News & Events April 16, 2024 Jeff Harder Democracy Demands Passionate Defense, Says Adam Gopnik of The New Yorker