Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) recently organized the Cure Sickle Cell Walk & Family Fun Day, presented by West Pharmaceutical Services. The event took place on June 7 at Citizens Bank Park and included a ceremonial walk and various family activities. It successfully raised over $242,000 for sickle cell disease research and patient care.
CHOP is known for its extensive sickle cell program, providing specialized services such as newborn screenings, transfusions, round-the-clock access to hematologists, pulmonary and cerebrovascular care, psychosocial services, and the Hematology Acute Care Unit.
The hospital has been a leader in sickle cell disease treatment for nearly two decades. CHOP played a pivotal role in clinical trials that resulted in the FDA approving two gene therapies in December 2023. It was also the first to identify neuroradiologic findings in children with sickle cell disease and stroke and describe safe transfusion therapy use to prevent recurrent strokes. Additionally, CHOP discovered novel red cell enzymes and factors crucial for advances in gene therapy.
Further insights into the journey of individuals affected by sickle cell can be found through interviews like one with Naomi, a 2025 ambassador, available on NBC10. More information about the event is accessible at chopsicklecellwalk.org, while details about CHOP’s Sickle Cell Center can be found at www.chop.edu/centers-programs/sickle-cell-center.
