1. Very Bright Worship Service Facts to Break Sickle Silence ® September 11- 12, 2010

2. Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin that causes the cells to have a sickle shape. Sickle cell is an inherited, lifelong disease.

3. Sickle-shaped cells are stiff and sticky. The cells clump and block blood flow. Causing pain, serious infections and organ damage over time.

4. People who inherit only one sickle cell gene called sickle cell trait. People with the trait lead normal lives with no obvious symptoms. They can pass the sickle cell gene to their children.

5. New treatments: Gene therapy Bone marrow transplants. Yet, funding for more clinical trials is scarce and patient participation remains a challenge.

6. Sickle Cell is Global: In the U.S. more than 100,000 people have sickle cell, primarily affecting African & Latino Americans. Also affects families in Africa, South or Central America, Caribbean, Mediterranean countries (Turkey, Greece, and Italy) India, and Saudi Arabia.

7. Get involved by joining: –Very Bright Foundation in raising Sickle Cell awareness –Visit www.verybight.org for more information.www.verybight.org

8. Together we can Break Sickle Silence ®