As part of a campaign to increase awareness, raise funds and garner community support for the fight against sickle cell disease, twin brothers and NFL defensive backs, Jason and Devin McCourty, have joined forces with Embrace Kids Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and New York Blood Center for a campaign titled “Tackle Sickle Cell.”
The annual Tackle Sickle Cell Blood Drive is part of the Tackle Sickle Cell campaign, which aims to increase blood donations, educate the public, and raise money and awareness for the fight against sickle cell disease. This year, the blood drive will take place on Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Arline and Henry Schwartzman Courtyard located at 1 Robert Wood Johnson Place in New Brunswick.
Jason and Devin McCourty were football standouts at Rutgers University before they began their NFL careers. Now, Jason is a starting defensive back for the Tennessee Titans and Devin is a starting defensive back for the New England Patriots. All presenting donors will receive a signed photograph of the McCourty twins and a Tackle Sickle Cell t-shirt. The McCourty twins will make an appearance during the blood drive in the afternoon to sign autographs and t-shirts. All individuals who register through the website and are present to donate blood at the event will also receive a $10 gift card to Hansel n’ Griddle (not transferable for cash).
As twins, Jason and Devin have worked together their entire lives, which they are now continuing with their charitable efforts. “Many of our family members have experienced the devastating effects of sickle cell disease first-hand, and we want to do our part to help families in similar situations,” said Jason. “We are excited to be working on this initiative with Embrace Kids Foundation again this year, because this cause is very personal to us,” added Devin.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder that causes an individual’s red cells to change shape as a result of a chemical change in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a substance that carries oxygen in the blood, and when it is defective, it changes the shape of an individual’s red cells, forming crescents or “sickle” shaped cells. Sickle red cells lose their elasticity and become rigid, clogging narrow blood vessels and destructing them. Furthermore, an individual with sickle cell disease becomes chronically anemic.
Each year, 1 in 500 African Americans and 1 in 1,400 Latinos are born with sickle cell disease. The disease also affects people of Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Indian and Mediterranean decent. Embrace Kids Foundation hosts the website TackleSickleCell.org, containing facts and statistics on sickle cell disease and additional information on how one can participate in the campaign.
The effects of winter weather and flu season can make it difficult for many to go out and donate blood. To register for this opportunity to give blood, call 732-235-8100, ext. 221 or visit www.tacklesicklecell.org/events and click on “Blood Drives.”
All donors must be at least 17 years old (16-year-olds must have written parental consent), weigh at least 110 lbs. (16 year olds must weigh 120 lbs.), be in good health, and bring a photo or signature ID to participate in the blood drive. Donors are asked to eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before their donation.
For the latest news on the “Tackle Sickle Cell” Campaign, visit TackleSickleCell.org.