The
Florence Neal Cooper Smith
Sickle Cell Initiative
The Sickle Cell Initiative is a program of the
Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Foundation whose ultimate goal is to raise
money for aggressive, cutting edge research to eventually lead to a cure for
sickle cell disease.
Understanding Sickle Cell
Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a chronic, incurable, inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. Sufferers of sickle cell anemia experience periodic, often unexpected, episodes of intense pain.
Sickle cell anemia affects
the hemoglobin, a component of the red blood cells that carries oxygen. The main hemoglobin in normal red blood cells is hemoglobin
“A.” Persons with sickle cell
make a form of hemoglobin “A” called hemoglobin “S” (“S” stands for
sickle). The hemoglobin molecules
in each red blood cell carry oxygen from the lungs to the body organs and
tissues and bring back carbon dioxide to the lungs.
Unlike normal red blood cells,
which last about 120 days in the bloodstream, sickled red cells die after only
10 to 20 days. Because they cannot
be replaced fast enough, the blood is chronically short of red blood cells, a
condition called anemia.
Sickle cell anemia affects
primarily those of African American, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Greek
descent. The disease is inherited
from parents in much the same ay as blood type, hair color and texture, eye
color and other physical traits.
Who Is Florence Neal Cooper
Smith?
The Florence
Neal Cooper Smith Sickle Cell Initiative is the first such initiative to be
named for an African American woman in the United States. Florence Neal Cooper Smith is a pioneer of Sickle Cell awareness, both regionally and nationally. A graduate of Virginia Union University, Smith completed graduate studies Pathology at the Medical College of Virginia Campus of Virginia Commonwealth (MCV/VCU). |
Always in search of knowledge, Smith’s curiosity about sickle cell anemia began as a child when she came upon the disease in a medical journal. Later, that curiosity turned into genuine interest as the subject of sickle cell continued to arise throughout her college and professional careers.
In 1969, Smith organized Richmond’s first city wide survey with the help of local civic, social and community organizations to determine the extent of sickle cell awareness in the surrounding localities.
In 1972, with the allotment of federal dollars for sickle cell programs, the lure of sickle cell led Smith and colleague, Dr. Robert Scott, to found the innovative Virginia Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Program at MCV. This ambition campaign sought to educate and inform the general public about sickle cell anemia.
Florence Neal Cooper Smith
developed a comprehensive program for sickle cell screening, counseling,
research and public education at a time when there was little public knowledge
about sickle cell and there were no services in place to address concerns and
issues surrounding the disease.
Goodwill Ambassador, Amanda Fitzgerald
For approximately half of Amanda’s
life, she has required blood transfusions to prevent her from having
another stroke---she’s already experienced one. Without the transfusions, her doctors fear her risk of another stroke is extremely high. |
At age 5, Amanda suffered a stroke. At
age 7, she had a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), a transient stroke that occurs
when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly interrupted.
On Thursday, June 13, 2002, a group of people gathered to celebrate the
life of young Amanda Fitzgerald, a bright and beautiful 10-year-old girl with
sickle cell disease.
Florence Neal Cooper Smith believes that aggressive outreach efforts along with education are critical components in understanding sickle cell disease and its effects. Witnessing those effects first hand, advocate for maintaining the quality of life for sickle cell sufferers. Education, she stresses, is the key to eradicate the fears and myths still associated with the disease.
The
programs in place at MCV to help sickle cell patients are a result of the
efforts of Florence Neal Cooper Smith. One
such family who is benefiting from those is the Fitzgerald family.
Their oldest daughter, Amanda, an honor student was diagnosed with sickle
cell at the age of three. Amanda’s
disease requires constant monitoring and daily active involvement in her care.
The Fitzgerald Family (left to right) Amelia, LaVerne, Amanda & Charles |
---|
Funding Committee For The Sickle Cell Initiative
Mr. Terone Green Chair |
Dr. Samuel Hunter |
Mrs. Florence Neal Cooper
Smith Honorary Co-Chair |
Rev. Lydia Jiggetts |
Mr. Clarence L. Townes, Jr. Honorary Co-Chair |
Dr. Lurla Joseph |
Ms. Tammy Anderson |
Mr. Jimmy L. Powell
Mrs. Minni B. Powell |
Dr. Joseph W. Boatwright, III | Ms. Jene Radcliffe-Shipman |
Mr. Jeff Butler, | Dr. Frank Royal |
Dr. Harry S. Crawford, Jr. | Dr. Robert B. Scott |
Dr. George Cypress |
Dr. Wally Smith |
Rev. & Mrs. Lawrence A. Davies |
Dr. Lornel G. Tompkins |
Dr. Vonita W. Foster | Mrs. Sharon Larkins-Pederson MCV Foundation Liaison |
Ms. Debra Gardner | Mr. Lawrence Cooper |
Contact
Information:
For more information about how you can help with this initiative, please contact
Sharon Larkins-Pederson, MCV Foundation Liaison, at (804) 828-4599 or
(800) 628-7799.
MCV Foundation
P.O. Box 980234
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0234
Phone: (804) 828-4599
Fax: (804) 828-8001
Page Design By Pamela Foreman, Public Services Librarian
At Virginia Union
University, Richmond, Virginia. Questions Or Comments About This
Site? Email jdamron@vuu.edu
Page last updated