The Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation (MSCF) hosted a Christmas Carnival for sickle cell warriors and their families on Saturday, December 16.
Coordinating the event this year was Tobi Breland, nurse practitioner at Children's of MS Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCCBD) and MSCF board member, and Teresa Walker, registered nurse at CCCBD and MSCF board member.
“Each year, the Foundation sponsors this event for our young warriors, but we have not been able to have it since 2018, due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Breland. “We are excited to bring it back this year and hope to have a good turnout. Sickle cell is a prevalent genetic blood disorder with many possible complications. We plan the event to provide some holiday fun for families who deal with the effects of it daily.”
The carnival will feature games, food, a cake walk and a special visit and gifts from Santa. Parents are invited to snap a photo of their youngsters with the Jolly ‘Ol Elf.
Set for 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Jackson’s Christian Life Center at 431 North State Street in Jackson, the event is free, but is limited to children with sickle cell disease and their immediate family only.
“We hope families will come and experience some happiness and joy with others who understand what they go through on a daily basis,” said Breland. “We want them to know they are not alone.”
For more information, email MSSickleCellFND@yahoo.com.