Hundreds in Charlotte raise money, awareness for sickle cell

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sickle cell is a blood disorder that causes pain in a sufferers' joints, but thanks to hundreds of people who came together in uptown Charlotte Saturday morning, relief could be a little bit closer.

Participants walked or ran in the fifth annual sickle cell 3k walk and run.

Eyewitness News anchor Brittney Johnson helped get things started as the host, along with 7-year-old sickle cell patient Jeremiah.

Jeremiah's mother couldn't be more proud.

"He is an awesome kid,” mother Fatima Oliver said. “He's driven and he still focuses on what's important, and that's living."

Channel 9 partnered with Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency to sponsor hundreds in Charlotte living with the blood disorder.

Millions suffer from the disease affecting red blood cells.

Its symptoms can be painful and patients can be prone to sickness.

"There's the good and the bad, but we try to balance it out,” Oliver said.

More coverage on sickle cell

The money raised during the walk and run helps raise awareness, educate and provide screening and case management.

"These people are out here today to give back, and we appreciate that,” said Kathy Norcutt, with Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency.

Oliver said she puts her faith in God, and with his support, she hopes Jeremiah will stay healthy.

"It means everything to me to be out here to support,” Oliver said. “As much awareness as we can bring to it, it's a blessing."

Organizers say close to 900 people suffer from sickle cell in the Charlotte area alone.

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