September was Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and each year, the KD Hall Foundation holds their annual Resilient Hearts: Sickle Cell Education & Blood Donation, where community members are not only able to get educated on the effects of Sickle Cell but also donate blood to those in need with the disease. 

For KD Hall, Co-Founder and CEO of the KD Hall Foundation, the event is a way to honor her daughter and others living with sickle cell disease. "This month is special because it's Sickle Cell Awareness Month and my daughter's birthday month," Hall shared. "This event is my way of putting my daughter first and making sure she knows she's not alone." 

John L. Masembe, the sickle cell program coordinator and a sickle cell survivor, spoke about the event's impact on those battling the disease. "Events like this offer hope," Masembe explained. "I'm a warrior because I overcame sickle cell, but the journey was tough. Sharing my story and connecting with others reminds us we're not alone and that there's a supportive community."

Ken West, president of the Metropolitan Seattle Sickle Cell Task Force, highlighted the importance of collaboration. "Partnering with the KD Foundation allows us to amplify our efforts," West stated. "Together, we can educate, advocate, and grow the sickle cell community. There's power in numbers, and events like this bring us together."

The blood drive that happens during the event, holds immense value. Hall emphasized, "It's not just about the number of donors, it's about the impact. One donation can prevent a pain crisis or improve someone's quality of life. Knowing people care enough to donate means the world to our community."

The KD Hall Foundation's annual Resilient Hearts event was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Sickle Cell community. Through education, advocacy, and blood donation, the foundation is making a real difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. Converge Media is proud to support their important work.

To learn more about the KD Hall Foundation's efforts in the fight against Sickle Cell, visit KDHallFoundation.org.