praise reporter september 2012

STAY INFORMED. STAY INSPIREDJoin our email list at Praisereporter.com

1.866.961.7191 distribution & subscriptions

sickle cell awareness month september 2012

The Faces of

Sickle Celldisease

$2.50

A Miracle Inside the Dark Knight Shooting

TamelaMann‘BestDays’

Solving The Nursing Shortage

September 2012 | praisereporter.com | 866.961.7191 | 2

2012 OHIO CHAMPIONS OF DIVERSITY AWARDS & CAREER

EXPO

SEPTEMBER 26TH-27TH, 2012

ALADDIN SHRINE EVENT AND CONFERENCE CENTER

COLUMBUS, OHIO

WWW.CHAMPIONSOFDIVERSITY.COM

2012

To purchase Corporate Tables, Individual Tickets or Career Fair Vendor Booths contact Brenda Spencer at 614-348-2667 or email [email protected]


publishers messageSeptember is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

This special edition of the Praise Reporter is important as it recognizes

September as “National Sickle Cell Aware-ness Month“. This month, recognized both nationally and in Ohio gives homage to the issues, activities and information surround-ing Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle Cell Disease throughout the century has and still remains a silent and often unrecognized chronic health problem.

The staff of the Praise Reporter , in col-laboration with state and local programs and individuals affected by this very pub-lic health concern, determined that this publication can serve as the vehicle to help bring this issue back to the forefront of the Ohio community. This special edition of the Praise Reporter features articles and events listing that will help you learn more about sickle cell at the local and state levels.

Sickle Cell awareness is near and dear to my heart. A very close friend of my fam-ily is frequently hospitalized due to the pain she encounters as a result of sickle cell ane-mia. I recently learned that my nephew was diagnosed with sickle cell trait during his

army entrance exam delaying and maybe even preventing his enlistment. I believe that publications like this will assist your community in supporting the efforts of the sickle cell programs in your area, as they provide the services and resources desper-ately needed by affected families.

To help the reader to understand the sickle cell phenomena, the following is some statistical and historical insight on this major health concern:

The annual observance of sickle •cell disease originated in 1975 when the National Association for Sickle Cell Disease and its mem-ber organizations began conduct-ing month-long events to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and the need to address the prob-lem at national and local levels.

The Association (now called the •Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. – SCDAA) and its member organizations sponsored public educational programs and fundraising activities dur-ing the month. State and local of-ficials issued Sickle Cell Month

proclamations and were intro-duced to local poster children (see story on local poster children).

The SCDAA tradition of select-•ing a National Poster Child from local candidates began in 1975 with President Gerald Ford greet-ing the first winner, 8-year- oldBridgette Earby of Oakland California, at the White House. Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Obama have also greeted the National Poster Child.

The effort to have Sickle Cell Ane-•mia Awareness Month officiallyrecognized at all levels succeeded in 1983 when the U.S. House ofRepresentatives unanimously passed the resolution, introduced by the Congressional Black Cau-cus, asking President Reagan to issue a proclamation designating the month of September as “Na-tional Sickle-Cell Anemia Aware-ness Month”. The President, signed Proclamation 5102, which did just that, in September, 1983.

In Ohio, legislation designating the month of September as “Sickle Cell Aware-ness Month” was signed by Governor Bob TaftinFebruary,2003.Sinceitsofficialrec-ognition, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Sickle Cell Services Program in collaboration with a regional network of grant-funded sickle cell projects (see Project Profiles)havededicatedthemonthleadingup to and the month following September to raising public and professional aware-ness and understanding about sickle cell in Ohio.

September, 2012marks the tenth offi-cial year designated as “Sickle Cell Aware-ness Month” in Ohio.

It is our hope that you will have an op-portunity to participate in some of the sickle cell health and awareness events around the state.

For more information about Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month in Ohio or to receive educational materials, contact the Ohio Regional Sickle Cell Project in your county.

For more information about the ODH Sickle Cell Services Program, contact the Program Coordinator at 614-466-1549.


StaffIvory D. Payne [email protected]

Celeste M. Payne Operations ManagerDirector of Sales & Marketing [email protected]

Advertisting Agency Spencer 4Higher Media

ContrIbutIng WrIterSCecelia M. Bean-Kane, RN, MSN, APN-CJesse Todd • Essie Johnson • Cheryl JonesJeffrey D. Hord, M.D. • Wendy Berry-WestStephanie M. Carter • Deborrha Armstrong

neWS PartnerSBaptist PressBlack PR ChristianNewsWireEUR GospelFamily FeaturesNorth American Press Syndicate

The Praise Reporter is published 12 times per year by Global Impact Media, LLC866.961.7191 Toll Free904.410.2379 Jacksonville, FL614.678.5765 (studio) Columbus, OH866.528.5267 [email protected] Praise Reporter reserves the right to edit, reject or cancel any advertisement or editorial at anytime. We will not be responsible for checking accuracy of items submitted for publication or for more than one wrong insertion of advertising copy.

twitter.com @ praisereporterfacebook/praisereporter

VISIt uS on tHe Internet...

www.praisereporter.com

on the Cover faces of Sickle Cell Disease:

Row 1Andrea HillTerri KnowlesGeorge WorthingtonDeana Headley

Row 2Mary HillAdrienne KincaidGwen BrownJordan Jones

Row 3Zenia Nash-JohnstonMonique SimsTamara DavisGary Perkins

Row 4Tyrone DawsonShirley MillerVincent Fisher

Row 5Sharon HillMona MinorGlinda Dames-Fincher

Inside this issueEncouragement & InspirationLike A River .....................................................................................................................5

Special Sickle Cell Awareness Month SectionSickle Cell Project Profiles In Ohio• ...............................................................................6Top Five Frequently Asked Questions About Sickle Cell Trait• .......................................8Sickle Cell Trait and the Athlete• ...................................................................................8Ohio Sickle Cell Affected Families Association• ..........................................................10Empowerment Scholarships• .....................................................................................10Newborn Screening In Ohio• ......................................................................................11My Son And Sickle Cell Disease• ...............................................................................12Ohio Poster Children for Sickle Cell• ...........................................................................13Sickle Cell Sabbath Thank You• .................................................................................15Ohio Sickle Cell Heath and Awareness Event Listings• ...............................................16

More Praise....Around the Nation

FEATURE: • A Miracle Inside The Dark Knight Shooting ..............................................20Potters House Of Denver Responds To Movie Theater Shooting• ...............................20Heart Surgery Survivor Adopts Child 1yr After Transplant• ..........................................21

Eats & TreatsA Better Breakfast For Busy Families • .......................................................................24

Business & EmploymentFive Web Tips FOr Every Small Business Owner• .......................................................25To Solve The Nursing Shortage, Employers And Educators Must Partner• .................25

Gospel Music, Entertainment & EventsTOP 10 Gospel• .........................................................................................................25FEATURE: Tamela Mann• ...........................................................................................25FEATURE: Columbus Gospelfest• ..............................................................................26

Praise & SaveSavings Directory• ......................................................................................................27

October Issue: Political GuideNovember Issue:

Praise & Save Holiday Shopper’s Guide and Business Directory

Call today to advertise! 866.961.7191 ext


encouragement & inspirationLike A River

Martin Luther King Jr.’s name has gone down in history as a man who stood for jus-tice and righteousness. His timeless March on Washington speech continues to be re-membered for its beauty and poetic truth. In that speech he quotes Amos 5:24. It was a reminder of the timelessness of God’s word and the every present necessity of justice.

Justice was in short supply in Amos’s day, and in the days of the civil rights move-ment. Justice was not unavailable but unap-plied in both cases. There is no doubt that some of those who heard Amos and those who heard King were offended. Our cul-tureisjustfine.Wecarryouttheritualofre-ligion, we have beautiful buildings and we keep all the trappings of fairness, justice and holiness. We have beautiful and functional courts,churches,welleducatedofficialwhomaintain the status quo and a culture where we are accepted and respected.

How dare you even suggest that we are less than respectable, acceptable and right?

Like Amos King was about exposing sin and injustice. While other pointed to the bearer of the message and itemized their shortcomings God kept pouring words of truth from their lips.

Personal threats, establishment re-sistance, did not stop them. The words of justice and fairness world not stop. It could not stop until God’s voice once again in-vaded the pervaded halls of justice, until

fingerswere removed from the scales andfair weights were recorded, until church and temples stopped the pretense of religion and practiced the principles of holiness, and consistency in life style. It did not stop un-til churches opened their doors to all God’s people, not those of a particular race or cul-ture.

It was a difficult transition but Godwould not permit less than truth to prevail. Justice and righteousness must flow nottrickle... justice, like a river after a heavy rainstorm cannot be contained by a dam weaken by lies deception, and evil, the wa-ters will prevail how much more the Word of God .

Dear Lord, (E.M. Johnson is the Executive Director

of None Like Him Anywhere (nonelikehimany-where.org), a Christian Education organization. Her weekly podcast, In His Presence Radio, can be heard at inhispresenceradio.com)

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:24

RADIO TELEVISION

(INSERT NEW LOGO HERE)

Multi-Cultural Advertising & Marketing Specialist

25 years of Helping Businesses Grow through

Advertising, Marketing & Promotions Radio, TV, Newspaper, Internet, Special Events and More

Sales & Customer Service Training For Rookie & Veteran Sales

Representatives and Business Owners

Contact: Brenda Spencer (614) 348-2667 Email: [email protected]

Web Site: www.spencer4highermedia.com

NEWSPAPER INTERNET

radio

newspaper

television

internet Brenda Spencer

God Has a Miracle For You: Explore &

Embrace the Miracles of the Bible.

$15 plus s/h

Call toll free 888-493-4995order online at

empowermentsessions.com


Sickle Cell Awareness Month Section

Sickle Cell Project Profiles in OhioSTATEWIDEOhio Sickle Cell and Health Association 309 South Fourth StreetSuite 212Columbus, OH 43215(614) 228-0157http://www.ohiosicklecell.org

CountiesStatewide-88 Ohio Counties

Standard services available Consumer and professional training •and educationStatewide public awareness and •media campaigns

Expanded services and programs Statewide Advisory Committee •Empowerment Scholarship Fund •(Educational scholarships for individuals/families with sickle cell disease to attend educational events)Information and referral services for •extended family testing Ohio Chapter of the Sickle Cell •Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA)Advisory organization to the Ohio •Sickle Cell Affected Families Association (OSCAFA)Sickle Cell Sabbath/Sickle Cell •Month ActivitiesToledo Town Hall Meeting (October •2012) for patients and families with sickle cell disease

Non-grant supported services provided through the Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association

Patient/client/legislative advocacy •for issues related to sickle cell diseaseCoordinating organization for •SCDAA National Sickle Cell Poster Child Contest and scholarship awardsEmergency support services for •individuals/families with sickle cell disease

REGION ICincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell CenterCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center3333 Burnet Ave., MLC 7015Cincinnati, OH 45229(513) 636-7541http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/svc/

alpha/c/cancer-blood/blood-disease/sickle-cell

Region I countiesAdams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, Highland, Warren

Standard services availableFollow-up of abnormal hemoglobin •results, particularly newborn screening results, and providing counseling for familiesOutreach education and training for •professionals and the publicCare coordination for pediatric •patients diagnosed with sickle cell diseaseSickle Cell Sabbath/Sickle Cell •Month activities

Expanded services and programs“Center Talk” newsletter for pediatric •families

Non-grant supported services provided through the Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center

Comprehensive sickle cell clinic •for pediatric patients, including social work and school intervention programExpanded educational and support •programs for individuals/families with sickle cell diseaseExtensive clinical research studies •for individuals/families with sickle cell diseaseAnnual National Hemoglobinopathy •Counselor Training CourseHealth Resources and Services •Administration Sickle Cell Disease Newborn Screening Program grantee (2011 – 2015)

REGION IIWest Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center Dayton Children’s Medical CenterOne Children’s PlazaDayton, OH 45404(937) 641-3111http://www.childrensdayton.org/cms/dayton_childrens_services/0aa34374b79c9d18/index.html

Region II countiesAllen, Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Hancock, Hardin, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Paulding, Preble, Putnam, Shelby, Van Wert

Standard services availableNewborn screening coordination •and follow-up

Free hemoglobin testing•Hemoglobinopathy counseling and •educationCase management •Regional resource clearinghouse of •educational materials Sickle Cell Sabbath/Sickle Cell •Month activitiesSickle Cell Advisory Committee •

Expanded services and programsPatient and family disease education•School intervention program•Patient assistance program •Special events/activities•

Non-grant supported services provided through the Hematology/Oncology Department at Dayton Children’s Medical Center

Diagnostic evaluation, treatment, •and management services for patients birth to 22 years of ageConsultation and collaboration with •adult health care providersNutrition assessment and •counselingSocial work services•Psychosocial assessment and •interventionTransition to adult care •Training/rotation/internship in •hemoglobin disorders

REGION IIISickle Cell Project of Northwest Ohio 313 Jefferson Avenue (mailing address)Toledo, OH 43604

Cordelia Martin Health Center (location address)430 Nebraska AvenueToledo, OH 43604(419) 255-7883 Ext.110

Region III countiesDefiance, Erie, Fulton, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Williams, Wood

Standard services available Newborn screening coordination •and follow-up servicesHemoglobinopathy counseling •Education, outreach and awareness •activities Regional resource center for •hemoglobinopathy educational materials Sickle Cell Sabbath/Sickle Cell •Month activitiesSickle Cell Advisory Committee•

Expanded services and programsPatient/ and family disease •educationSchool outreach•Genetic counseling (in collaboration •with the University of Toledo Division of Genetics)Town Hall Meeting (October 2012) •for patient/families with sickle cell disease (in association with the Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association)

Non-grant supported services provided through Cordelia Martin Health Center

Primary and pediatric medical care •for uninsured and underinsured populationsSocial work services•On-site pharmacy and laboratory•WIC Services•

REGION IVComprehensive Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Program700 Children’s DriveColumbus, OH 43205(614) 722-5948http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/sickle-cell-and-thalassemia-program

Region IV countiesAthens, Belmont, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison,Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Madison, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan,Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Union, Vinton, Washington, Wyandot

Standard services availableNewborn screening coordination •and follow-up servicesHemoglobinopathy counseling•Hemoglobinopathy education , •outreach, awareness activitiesSickle Cell Sabbath/Sickle Cell •Month activities

Expanded services and programsSchool/daycare intervention •programPatient/family disease education•Blood/bone marrow donor •educationPeer mentor program•Nursing education•Transition to adult care•

Non-grant supported services provided


Sickle Cell Project Profiles in Ohio cont’d

through Hematology/Oncology/BMT Division at Nationwide Children’s

Infusion services•Confirmatory testing for abnormal •newborn screening hemoglobin resultsComprehensive medical •management and follow-up for hemoglobin diseaseGenetic counseling and extended •family testingCase management•Dental evaluations•Psychological testing and •evaluationsApheresis Program•Psychological/clinical research trials•Student training•

REGION VAmerican Sickle Cell Anemia Association10900 Carnegie AvenueSuite DD 1-201Cleveland, OH 44106(216) 229-8600http://www.ascaa.org

Region V countiesCuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina

Standard services availableNewborn screening follow-up and •diagnostic testingHemoglobinopathy counseling •and education (additional on-site counseling locations at the Cleveland Clinic, Metro Health Hospital, McCafferty Health Center, J. Glenn Health Center and Miles/Broadway Health Center)Resource center for •hemoglobinopathy education materialsSickle Cell Sabbath/Sickle Cell •Month activitiesSickle Cell Advisory Committee•

Expanded services and programsHispanic community direct services •and outreachSchool/home intervention program•Supportive services/crisis •intervention/community referralsCollaborative relationships with •Region V hospitalsCBS Cares public service •announcement

Non-grant supported services provided through the American Sickle Cell Anemia Association

On-site diagnostic hemoglobin •testing (in association with the

Cleveland Clinic)Summer residential camp for youth •with sickle cell disease (one-week)Choosing Health Awareness, •Mobility, Personal Power and Success (CHAMPPS) Youth ProgramCleveland Clinic resident physician •rotation

REGION VIOhio Region VI Sickle Cell ProgramOne Perkins SquareAkron, OH 44306(330) 543-3521(800) 262-0333, Ext. 8730https://www.akronchildrens.org/cms/sickle_cell_program/index.html

Region VI countiesAshland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Crawford, Holmes, Portage, Mahoning, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Wayne

Standard services and programsNewborn screening coordination •and physician/family follow-upPatient and family advocacy•Hemoglobinopathy counseling, •outreach education and resource materials

Sickle Cell Sabbath/Sickle Cell •Month activitiesSickle Cell Advisory Committee•

Expanded services and programsSchool intervention services•SickleScope, quarterly newsletter•Patient/family disease education•Adolescent transition program•Monthly parent/patient support •group meetingsPsychosocial assessments/•interventions and supportive servicesAnnual sickle cell awareness walk•Annual weekend summer camp•

Non-grant supported services provided through the Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Akron Children’s Hospital

Monthly comprehensive clinics for •sickle cell disease patientsConfirmatory testing for abnormal •newborn screening hemoglobin resultsIndividual hematological •consultation and diagnostic testingApheresis Program•

Outside of Ohio? To find a Sickle Cell program in your area visit

http://www.sicklecelldisease.org/

OSCHA AD

For more information contact:The Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association(614) 228-0157www.ohiosicklecell.org

Celebrates September National Sickle Cell MonthJoin the Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association, in its 32nd year of business as an advocate organization in the fight against sickle cell disease. Our mission, “To Provide Education, Advocacy and Support Statewide to Individuals and Families Affected and At-Risk for Sickle Cell Disease”.

How can you help?• Join OSCHA as an active member in the fight against sickle cell disease• Participate in events across the state of Ohio during September Sickle Cell Month• Get tested so that you will know your hemoglobin type• Become educated about sickle cell disease• Be an advocate for the thousands of people across the state who are affected by sickle cell disease

“We Are… One Community with One Cause” with the goal to

ADVOCATE. INSPIRE. CHANGE.



WHAT IS SICKLE CELL TRAIT?

Sickle cell trait (SCT) is not a disease, but having it means that a person has inherited the sickle cell gene from one of his or her parents. People with SCT usually do not have any symptoms of sickle cell disease (SCD) and live a normal life. In rare cases, some people with SCT might experience complications of SCD; such as “pain epi-sodes” or “crises” and, in extreme circum-stances, sudden death (see Sickle Cell Trait and the Athlete).

WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE?

Sickle cell disease describes a group of in-herited red blood cell disorders.

•InSCD, theredbloodcellsbecomehard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle.”

•Sicklecellsdieearly,whichcausesaconstant shortage of red blood cells.

•Sicklecellscanalsogetstuckinsmallbloodvesselsandblock theflowofbloodand oxygen to organs in the body. These blockages cause repeated episodes of se-vere pain, organ damage, serious infections or even stroke.

• SCD is inherited when a child re-ceives two sickle cell genes—one from each parent.

HOW DOES SOMEONE GET SICKLE CELL TRAIT?

People who have inherited one sickle cell gene and one normal gene have SCT. This means the person won’t have the disease, but will be a trait “carrier” and can pass it on to his or her children.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY SICKLE CELL TRAIT?

SCT affects one in 12 blacks or African-AmericansintheU.S.

•PeoplewhosefamiliescomefromAf-rica, India, Central and South America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Mediter-ranean countries such as Italy, Greece and Turkey can also have SCT.

•Approximately3millionpeopleliv-

ingintheU.S.haveSCTandmanyareun-aware of their status.

HOW WILL A PERSON KNOW IF HE OR SHE HASSICKLE CELL TRAIT?

Asimplebloodtestcanbedoneitfindoutif someone has SCT. Contact your pri-mary care physician or clinic or the Ohio Regional Sickle Cell Project in your county (seeProjectProfiles)fortestingavailability. For more information about sickle cell trait and links to other websites, go to: Center for Disease Control and Preventionhttp://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/freemate-rials.html

Top Five Frequently Asked Questions About Sickle Cell Trait

3

4

521

by Jeffrey D. Hord, M.D., Director, Hema-tology/Oncology at Akron Children’s Hospital

During the past three decades, there have been approximately 17 sudden deaths among collegiate football players with sick-le cell trait during preseason conditioning attributed to exertional muscle breakdown, which has been labeled “exertional sick-ling.” A few similar episodes have also been

reported in athletes with sickle cell trait par-ticipating in other sports and down to the age of 12 years. The precise role of sickle hemoglobin in this condition is unclear since this has occurred in athletes without sickle cell trait but sickle trait may impart a higher risk. Since June 2009, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has recommended that all collegiate athletes be screened for sickle cell trait.

The vast majority of all high school and collegeathletesintheU.S.todayhavebeenscreened for sickle cell disease/trait as a newborn. Primary care physicians should provide a copy of the newborn screen re-sults to the parent at the time of hemoglobin counseling. Submitting a copy of the screen-ing results at a future sports pre-participa-tion evaluation might eliminate the need for repeat testing.

The National Athletic Trainers Asso-ciation (NATA) has recommended some safe conditioning guidelines for athletes with sickle cell trait that include: increase performance levels gradually; allow longer “breathers” between drills; withhold from participating in intensive training methods such as repeated wind sprints and long train-ing runs; keep well-hydrated; don’t allow trainingifanathleteisill;andkeepfitintheoff-season. In addition, the athlete should report muscle cramping, back pain and sud-den weakness immediately and cease train-ing if these symptoms appear. Following such precautions is the joint responsibility of the athlete, coach, athletic trainer, and strength and conditioning coach.

NO organization recommends that young athletes who carry the sickle cell trait be prohibited from participating in any sport based on this possible rare complica-tion. It may be that if athletes with sickle cell trait follow the NATA guidelines, their risk of sudden death, are no greater than that of the general population.

For more information on NCAA resources and NATA guidelines go to:

Sickle Cell Trait: A Fact Sheet for Coaches (NCAA) http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/health_safety/SickleCellTraitforCoaches.pdf

Sickle Cell Trait: A Fact Sheet for Student-Athletes (NCAA)http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/health_safety/SickleCellTraitforSA.pdf

NATA Consensus Statementhttp://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/SickleCellTraitAndTheAthlete.pdf

Sickle Cell Trait and the Athlete



The OSCAFA was originally orga-nized in 1984 by individuals affected with sickle cell disease. The purpose of the Association was to:

To seek rehabilitative services 1. and facilitate cooperation be-tween individuals with sickle cell disease and the medical pro-fession, hospitals, service com-panies, industry, governmental organizations and other interest-ed agencies/organizations.To provide supportive services 2. regarding discriminatory prac-tices of employers, insurance companies and health care pro-viders.To become a truly viable and self-3.sufficient Association contribut-ing to the knowledge, expertise, assistance, compassion and sup-port of individual members.To encourage, develop and pro-4. vide educational programs for

those individuals interested in the sickle cell phenomena.To advance the science, technol-5. ogy, ethics and art of sickle cell through institutions, meetings,

lectures, publications and other mediums.To provide constructive input to 6. all interested groups and orga-nizations, regarding the needs of those affected by sickle cell disease.

After the death of Doug Drummer, the founding president in 2000, the Asso-ciation no longer functioned as a viable body after 16 years in existence.

In 2008, the Ohio Sickle Cell andHealth Association, Inc. (OSCHA) a statewide community based organization whose mission is to “Provide education, advocacy and support statewide to indi-viduals and families affected by and at risk for sickle cell disease”, was charged by the Ohio Department of Health, Sickle Cell Services Program with reorganizing this statewide voice of consumers. The vision was shared by OSCHA and cur-rently the OSCAFA functions under the

OSCHAumbrella.UndertheauspicesofOSCHA the group has the responsibility for increasing awareness and providing advocacy regarding sickle cell disease in their local communities.

Currently, the Association has five (5) pediatric and/or adult support groups:

Cincinnati• -Sickle Cell Affect-ed Families Support Group of Greater Cincinnati, Inc.Columbus-• Sickle Cell Advocacy Group (formerly known as Par-ents Empowering Each Person for Success)Dayton-• Dayton Sickle Cell Af-fected Families AssociationCleveland-Kincaid’s Kindred •SpiritsCleveland-• CHAMPPS (Choos-ing Health Awareness, Mobility, Personal Power and Success)

Ohio Sickle Cell Affected Families Association

Empowerment Scholarships The Empowerment Scholarship Fund

(ESF) is a grant funded scholarship spon-sored by the Ohio Sickle Cell and Health As-sociation (OSCHA), which provides funds to consumers with the purpose of making a long term investment in the future direc-tion of individuals affected with sickle cell disease in Ohio.

WhoisQualified?Individuals with Sickle Cell Dis-•ease (SCD) 18 years of age orolderParent/Legal Guardian/Caregiv-•er of Individual with SCDSpouse of Individual with SCD•Must be a member of a local Af-•fected Family Association or cli-ent/patient of an Ohio Regional Sickle Cell Project

Applications are available by July 1 through the local Ohio Regional Sickle Cell Projects and the local Ohio Affected Family

Association groups. The application can also be accessed online at www.ohiosickle-cell.org. Deadline for submission is 90 days prior to the requested event.

Arthur Brown/David Pryor Scholar-ship Fund

The Ohio Sickle Cell and Health As-sociation (OSCHA) Board of Trustees have established a scholarship fund for individu-als diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD). The scholarship fund is designed to assist with the cost of post-secondary education at an accredited college, university or tech-nical/vocational school. .

Eligibility CriteriaIndividuals diagnosed with Sickle •Cell Disease.Must be an Ohio Resident•18andundermustbeagraduat-•ing senior from a high school or vocational program.Over age 18must have earned a•

High School diploma or equiva-lent. Unless person can demon-strate graduating senior status.Must be attending or have been •accepted or applied to an accred-ited college, university, or post-secondary vocational/technical school.Most recent transcript must dem-•onstrate a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale. *Special circumstances may be considered by the Scholarship Committee.Individuals can reapply once per •calendar year and receive scholar-ship funds annually if all require-ments are met.

To learn more about the Arthur Brown/David Pryor Scholarship Fund please go to www.ohiosicklecell.org.

The Ohio Sickle Cell Affected Families Association (OSCAFA) is a statewide organization of local sickle cell groups across the state affected by and interested in the sickle cell phenomena.



Newborn Screening in OhioWritten by: Stephanie M. Carter, Lab Scientist 2, Newborn Screening Program, Ohio De-

partment of Laboratory

The Ohio Department of Health’s Newborn (bloodspot) Screening (NBS) Pro-gram was established in 1965 by Ohio law to identify newborn babies who may be at risk for some serious health conditions. Ohio law requires that all babies born in the state receive a newborn screen. If health conditions are found, treatment for these babies can begin early to prevent health problems from occurring. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to slow growth, blindness, mental retardation and possibly death. The NBS lab screens 150,000 babies a year, and has screened over 7 million babies to date.

The Ohio NBS program added hemo-globin testing in 1990 to identify babies with sickle cell disease (SCD) and other he-moglobin disorders. From 1990 to 2010, the NBSlabidentified1,119babiesashavingahemoglobindiseaseand32,000ashavingahemoglobintrait.Earlyidentification,diag-nosis and treatment of SCD with antibiotics

are important in preventing infections such as sepsis and pneumonia.

Before your baby leaves the hospital, a small blood sample is collected. The blood sample must be taken after the baby is 24 hours old and before 5 days of age. Babies who are born at home or other birthing fa-cilities will have their sample collected by a midwife, doctor or local health department. Each sample is then sent to the NBS lab for testing.

After all testing is complete, the re-sults are sent to the birth hospital and to the baby’s primary care physician. If the NBS lab determines that your baby is at risk for a hemoglobin disorder, your physician will orderfurtherconfirmatorytesting.

Tofindoutaboutyourbaby’sNBStestresults and receive hemoglobin-counseling, contact your primary care physician or the Regional Sickle Cell Projects (see Project Profiles)inyourcounty.



by Deborrha Armstrong,Communications DirectorFranklin County Children Services

Although Sickle Cell Disease is some-thing you can’t see, those impacted by it feel and live with its devastating effects every day. As a mother who lost her child to this disease, I pray along with other families that the cure will come soon.

My son, Yon Armstrong died from sickle cell disease complications in 2002 – he was only 30 years old. To look atYon and others affected by this illness you would not know that something was wrong. He was a handsome, talented,

young man who was also an actor, mod-el, teacher and scholar. Yet, each day he woke up with pain surging throughout his body. Most of the time he just endured the discomfort but often the pain was so bad that he would have to be hospitalized and receive treatment for the crisis.

Yon often stayed in the hospital for weeks receiving strong pain medication, I.V.(intravenous)fluidsandbloodtrans-fusions. Since there is not a widely avail-able cure for this disease, only the symp-toms could be treated. Eventually sickle cell took its toll and Yon’s lungs and liver deteriorated. That’s what this disease does; it silently and relentlessly destroys

vital organs. Yon’s dream of a cure was not realized in his lifetime, but there is still hope for the more than 100,000 Amer-icans who suffer with sickle cell disease. Another3millionindividualsnationwidecarry the sickle cell trait. This is a heredi-tary blood disorder, so it is imperative that individuals be tested to determine of they carry the trait.

Although there has been some prog-ress made in the treatment with various medications and bone marrow trans-plants, there is still no cure. I encourage those who care, to please advocate for funding and resources tofind a cure forsickle cell disease.

My Son and Sickle Cell Disease



A nine-year old boy with sickle cell disease wants to do all the things that other nine-year old boys do. He wants to climb trees, skateboard, shoot hoops, play foot-ball, ride his bike and hang out with his friends. Likewise, an eight-year old girl with sickle cell disease wants to do all the things girls do. However, the children of Synthia and Antonio Copher, Sr. of Dayton, Ohio are siblings who must often curtail their fun activities. Additionally, Antonio, Jr. has kidney problems (related to his dis-ease) and asthma, which adds a troubling dimension to his health. Sydnei (as she is affectionately called) is a third grader, and Antonio, Jr. is in fourth grade. Both chil-dren were selected by the OSCHA to rep-resent Ohio in the 2011 National Sickle Cell Poster Child contest sponsored by the Sick-le Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA). Being siblings with sickle cell disease, their health problems bring much needed attention to sibling groups who experience the same chronic health condi-tions. They represent the faces of countless children who are affected with sickle cell disease.

The Copher children were diagnosed

with sickle cell disease at an early age. Synthiasaystheylosttheirfirstchildpre-maturely. She knew she had sickle cell trait however, her husband was not aware that he also carried the trait. When both parents have sickle cell trait there is a 25 percent chance with each pregnancy that they will have a baby with sickle cell disease. All newborns in the state of Ohio are screened at birth for sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders. She said Antonio, Jr. was diagnosed at approximately four months. Antonio, Sr. and Synthia must carefully monitor their children’s activi-ties, making sure that they rest when they would rather be playing, stay hydrated, eat properly, avoid extreme heat and cold and keep a rigid schedule of clinic and doctor appointments. They admit they are chal-lenged by the special needs of their chil-dren but feel blessed to have them.

The Copher’s who are their children’s strongest advocates, rely on other resourc-es which includes prayer, their family, the West Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, advocacy organizations like OSCHA and support groups to provide the reassurance and support they need. “OS-CHA, in particular, provides invaluable

resources including education, support, referrals and advocacy for their family as well as other families affected by sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait”, Synthia said. Nationally, OSCHA is one of more thanfifty(50)partnerorganizationsoftheSickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA). In Ohio, OSCHA is also in a regional network of sickle cell projects funded by the Ohio Department of Health Sickle Cell Services that work together to educate the public and professionals and assist families affected by sickle cell dis-ease.

Detecting sickle cell disease is vitally important for all couples who want to have children and who may carry the sickle cell trait. A support network such as OSCHA is important to help understand the sickle cell phenomena and offer support and referral to resources to ease the stress and worry of families who must cope with sickle cell disease. For anyone seeking information or assistance, you can contact OSCHA or one of the Ohio Regional Sickle Cell Projects via the Ohio Department of Health website at www.odh.ohio.gov.

Ohio Poster Children for Sickle Cellby Jesse Todd

Second Annual Statewide Event for Adults Living with Sickle Cell Disease and Family Members

Columbus State Community College Columbus, OH

SAVE the DATEApril 13 – 14, 2013

Don’t miss this exciting educational event! Learn about community resources, advocacy and research for sickle cell disease. Let your voice be heard and participate in focus groups and research studies during the day.

For more information, please contact OSCHA at 614-228-0157.

Sickle Cell Sabbath is an interfaith outreach campaign de-signed to educate and increase awareness within the faith-based community about sickle cell disease and the need for minority blood donors Although sickle cell disease affects persons of African ancestry at higher rates, individuals with heri-tage from Spanish-speaking regions in the Western Hemisphere (South America, the Caribbean and Central America), the Middle East, India, and Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece and Italy may also be affected. The goal of Sickle Cell Sabbath is simple: Increase blood donors within these various ethnic groups.

A statewide initiative, Sickle Cell Sabbath is a coordinated, cooperative effort between the Ohio Regional Sickle Cell Projects and various statewide and/or local faith-based groups or organizations. All religious denominations are encouraged to participate.

“The Ohio Regional Sickle Cell Projects are pleased to invite YOU

to join the 2012 campaign”.

Region I-Cincinnati(513) 636-7541

Region II-Dayton(937) 641-5014

Region III-Toledo(419) 255-7883 ext. 110Region IV-Columbus

(614) 722-5948(614) 228-0157

Region V-Cleveland(216) 229-8600

Region VI-Akron(330) 543-3521

For more information or to order FREE materials, please contact your Regional Sickle Cell Project:

Funded in whole or part by the Ohio Department of Health Sickle Cell Services Program

http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhprograms/cmh/scell/scell1.aspx

Saturday September 15, 2012 Sunday September 16, 2012

JOIN US FOR: Sickle Cell Sabbath


AKRON, OHIOAkron Children’s Hospital•Antioch Baptist Church•Christ Way Ministries•Community Friends Church•Cornerstone Church•First Apostolic Faith Church•Good Shepherd Baptist Church•JamesThomasUnitedMethodist•ChurchJerusalem Missionary Baptist Church•Macedonia Baptist Church•Mountain of the Lord Church•Providence Baptist Church•UnitedBaptistChurch•UnityHolinessMinistriesCOGIC•

BARBERTON, OHIOLivingstone Baptist•

CAMPBELL, OHIOGreater Liberty Baptist Church•

CANTON, OHIOAntioch Baptist Church•Eternal Light Church•StJamesS.ThomasUnitedMethodist•Church

CINCINNATI, OHIOBerea Seventh Day Adventist•Bright Star Baptist Church•Calvary Baptist Church•Cincinnati Children’s Hospital•Cincinnati Clifton Seventh Day Adven-•tistFirst Baptist Church West College Hill•Greater Liberty Baptist Church•Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist •ChurchGreater St. John•New Jerusalem Baptist Church•St. Joseph Catholic Church•St. Simon’s Episcopal•Tried Stone Baptist Church•

CLEVELAND, OHIOEast Mount Zion Baptist Church Life-•line ProgramFidelity Baptist Church•Hope Baptist Temple•Progressive Baptist Church•Mt. Gillion Baptist Church & Women’s •MinistrySt. Andrews Episcopal Church•

COLUMBUS, OHIO

Central Ohio American Red Cross•Mt. Vernon Avenue Baptist Church•Nationwide Children’s Hospital•New Birth Christian Ministries•Redeemed Christ Church of God•

DAYTON, OHIOChurch of God Saints of Christ•Ethan Temple SDA Church•Living Word of Faith Church•Macedonia Baptist Church•Mt. Calvary Baptist Church•Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church•Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church•Mt. Zion AOH Church of God•Phillips Temple CME Church•St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church•UnitedAMEChurch•Valley Peace Missionary Baptist •ChurchVictory in Power Ministries•Wayman Chapel AME Church•Zion Baptist Church•Freedom Faith Missionary Baptist •Church

HOMEWORTH, OHIOMt. Pleasant Baptist Church•

KENT, OHIOUnionBaptistChurch•

MANSFIELD, OHIOMt. Calvary Baptist Church•Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist •ChurchShiloh Full Gospel Baptist•

MASSILLON, OHIOSt. James AME Zion Church•

TOLEDO, OHIOBlessed Hope Baptist Temple•Neighborhood Health Assoication/•Cordelia Martin Health CenterFriendship Baptist Church•Mt. Zion Baptist Church•Third Baptist Church of Toledo•

TWINSBURG, OHIO

Destiny Church• WARREN, OHIO

Eastside Church of Christ•Friendship Baptist Church•Grace AME•Lordstown Lutheran Church•

WAYNESBURG, OHIOMacedonia Baptist Church•

YOUNGTOWN, OHIOAntioch Baptist Church•Berean Fellowship Church•Butler Memorial Presbyterian•Christian Revival and Discipleship •CenterNew Bethel Baptist Church•Tabernacle Baptist Church•

The Ohio Regional Sickle Cell Projects would like to THANK the following Ohio faith-based groups and organizations who participated in the 2011 “Sickle Cell Sabbath” Awareness Campaign

Sickle Cell Sabbath Thank You

We invite all faith-based groups and organizations in Ohio to participate in the 2012 “Sickle Cell Sabbath” Awareness Campaign.

Nothing makes us happier than helping a child who has a disease like

sickle cell manage his condition. Our research programs help us to do this

for hundreds of children around Cincinnati and thousands around the world

each year.

Sickle cell disease affects 100,000 people in the United States, and nearly

half of those suffering are children. As a national leader in caring for children

with sickle cell disease, thalassemia and other hemoglobin disorders,

researchers in the Hematology and Gene Therapy Program at Cincinnati

Children’s are on the brink of a scientific discovery that may one day end

the symptoms-and suffering-caused by sickle cell disease.

Our quest to find better treatments for sickle cell and blood diseases is a

costly one. And as a not-for-profit hospital and research center, we need

your support. Visit our web site and see how you can help us change

the outcome.

Dumeral Brown benefits f rom our comprehensive support and specialized ex pertise in the research and t reatment of sickle cell .

www.cincinnatichildrens.org/support

You can see the results of our sickle cell

research in leading medical journals.

And in Dumeral’s smile.



Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Awareness Event Listings ONGOING

CBS Cares Television Network-Sickle Cell Public Service Announcement24 hours/7 days weeklyAmerican Sickle Cell Anemia Association (ASCAA) website at: http://ascaa.orgAudience: Online-Open to the publicDescription: Public service announcement on sickle cell anemia that encourages the audience to learn more about testing and treatment options. Hosted by Wayne Brady (Let’s make a Deal).Organizer: Program Practice Department CBS Team, CBS Interactive Entertainment, New YorkContact: Leslie Carter, ASCAA(216) 229-8600 ext. 227

Every Monday and ThursdaySickle Cell Education and Testing12 p.m.-4:30 p.m.Thomas F. McCafferty Health Center Location of event: Room 2334242 Lorain AvenueCleveland. OH 44113Audience: Expectant mothers, men and women of child-bearing ageDescription: Education and FREE sickle cell testing pro-vided by the ASCAA.Organizers: ASCAA and the City of Cleveland Health Depart-mentContact: Gil Pena, ASCAA(216) 229-8600 ext. 231

Sickle Cell Education and TestingEvery Wednesday9-11 a.m.John Glenn Smith Health Center11100 St. Clair AvenueCleveland, OH 44108Every Wednesday (excluding the third Wednesday of the month)1-4 p.m.Miles/Broadway Health Center9127 Miles RoadCleveland, OH 44104Every third Wednesday12 p.m.-3 p.m.Lake County Health Department33 Mill StreetPainesville, OH 44077Audience: Open to the public

Description: Education and FREE sickle cell testing pro-vided by the ASCAA. Please call to set up appointment times.Organizers: ASCAA and the City of Cleveland Health Depart-mentContact: Rebekah Fink, ASCAA(216) 229-8600 ext. 226

AuGuST 2012

August 1824th Annual MidwestBlack Family Reunion 11 a.m.-5 p.m.Sawyer Point/Yeatman’s Cove705 East Pete Rose WayCincinnati, OH 45202Audience: Open to the publicDescription: The Midwest Black Family Reunion is one of Cincinnati’s largest family-focused events drawing over 40,000 patrons. The Cincin-nati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will have a booth in the Health Fair Pavilion to provide FREE sickle cell testing and education about sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.Organizer: Casscan Enter-prises, Inc.Contact: Casscan [email protected]

August 184th Annual CommunityFestival in the Park10 a.m.-8 p.m.W.S. McIntosh Park(formerly Riverview Park)Corner of West Riverview Ave. and Edwin C. Moses Blvd.Dayton, OH 45402Audience: Open to the public Cost: FREEDescription: This event will feature live music, bingo, a DJ, vendors, dancing, vocal talent, fraternity and sorority step shows, health screenings and much more. The West Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide information concerning sickle cell disorders and regional program services.Organizers: Black Man’s Think Tank, Northwest Priority Board and Omega Street AdvocatesContact: Marlon AldridgeBlack Man’s Think Tank(937) 718-1581

August 22United Commercial Food Work-ers (UCFW) Local 75 Health

Fair12 p.m.-4 p.m.Sharonville Convention Center11335 Chester RoadSharonville, OH 45246Audience: Members of UCFW Local 75Cost: FREEDescription: Annual health fair hosted by the UCFW Local 75. The Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide educational informa-tion about sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.Organizer: UCFW Local 75Contact: Kaylen Marshall(937) 665-1947

August 25Annual Dayton AfricanAmerican Cultural Festival11 a.m.-8 p.m.RiverScape Metro Park237 East Monument AvenueDayton, OH 45402Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREEDescription: Annual com-munity festival that brings the richness of the African American experience to Dayton and its surrounding communities through culture, arts, education and music. There will be health care (screenings), merchandise and food vendors. The West Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide information concern-ing sickle cell disorders and regional program services.Organizer: Public Health of Dayton and Montgomery CountyContact: Cheryl [email protected] August 25Community Day Celebration12 p.m.-4 p.m.First Beulah Baptist Church5706 Woodland AvenueCleveland, OH 44104Audience: Parishioners/general publicCost: FREEDescription: This health fair will focus on health educa-tion. Health screenings and resources will be available. The ASCAA will be onsite to provide diagnostic testing for sickle cell disease and hemoglobin traits.Organizer: First Beulah Baptist ChurchContact: Pastor John Ballom, Jr. (216) 426-8543

August 25Annual Community Festival11 a.m.Good Shepherd Baptist Church17822 Euclid AvenueCleveland, OH 44112Audience: Parishioners/general publicCost: FREEDescription: This health fair will focus on health education. The ASCAA will be onsite to provide diagnostic testing for sickle cell disease and hemoglobin traits.Organizer: Good Shepherd Baptist ChurchContact: Barbara James Brown(216) 254-6904

August 29Sickle Cell Trait and the Athlete6 p.m.Cincinnati Children’s HospitalMedical Center3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7015Cincinnati, OH 45229Audience: Athletic trainers, directors and coaches of high school and college sports, pediatricians, school nurses and other medical and school professionals interested in sickle cell trait and the athlete issues.Cost: FREERegistration Deadline: August 21, 2012Description: Educational webi-nar about sickle cell trait, NCAA testing policies and recommen-dations for sickle cell trait testing and follow-up counseling.Organizer: Cincinnati Compre-hensive Sickle Cell Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterContact: Lisa Shook(513) 636-7541

SEPTEMBER 2012

September 1-30National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month Exhibit24 hours per day/7 days a weekNationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH)Location of event: Centennial Wall-Main Corridor700 Children’s DriveColumbus, OH 43205Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREEDescription: Prominent wall display will provide detailed in-formation on sickle cell disease

and services provided by the Comprehensive Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Program at NCH.Organizer: Comprehensive Sickle Cell and Thalassemia ProgramContact: Tanica Jeffries(614) 722-5948

September 1-30West Central Ohio Comprehensive SickleCell Center Blood DriveBlood Drive Times Contact:Chava Shanklin (937) 641-4334Community Blood Center-Springfield2200 North Limestone Street, Suite 106Springfield, OH 45503 Community Blood Center-Main Office349 South Main StreetDayton, OH 45402Audience: Individuals ages 16 and up whose heritage is from Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, India and Mediter-ranean countries such as Turkey, Greece and Italy.Cost: FREEDescription: The West Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center is pleased to host a blood drive the entire month of September in honor of National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. This blood drive will promote greater awareness of sickle cell disorders and the importance of minority blood donation. Appointments are encouraged, please visit www.givingblood.org for schedule.Organizers: West Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Dayton Children’s Medical Center and Community Blood CenterContact: Chava Shanklin(937) 641-4334

September 1-30Sickle Cell Radio Public Service Announcement24 hours per day/7 days a weekJazzy 88.9 WCSU-FM “Urban Contemporary Jazz” RadioCentral State UniversityP.O. Box 1004Wilberforce, OH 45384Audience: WCSU coverage area-Fairborn, Dayton, Xenia, Springfield, Wilberforce and surrounding areasDescription: Public service announcements to air through-

out the month of September promoting sickle cell awareness and regional program services.Organizers: West Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center and Jazzy 88.9 WSCU-FM RadioContact: Edwin R. Clay, GMJazzy 88.9 WSCU-FM Radio(937) 376-9278

September 1-30Sickle Cell Radio Public Service Announcement24 hours per day/7 days a weekWMOJ-FM/Jammin’ Oldies-The New Mojo 100.3705 Central AvenueCincinnati, OH 45202Audience: WMOJ-FM coverage area of greater CincinnatiDescription: Public service announcements to air through-out the month of September promoting sickle cell awareness and regional program services.Organizers: Cincinnati Compre-hensive Sickle Cell Center and WMOJ-FMContact: Lisa Shook(513) 636-7541

September 2Dayton Reggae Festival1-8 p.m.Dave Hall Plaza Park(Downtown Dayton)Corner of East Fourth Street and South Jefferson StreetDayton, OH 45402Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREEDescription: Last event as part of the Summer Music Series, featuring local/national reggae performers and musicians. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a variety of food and merchandise vendors. The West Central Ohio Comprehen-sive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide information about sickle cell disorders and regional program services.Organizers: City of Dayton Recreation and Youth Ser-vices, Heidelberg Distributing Company, Downtown Dayton Partnership and Crown Plaza Dayton HotelContact: Bobbie BeyerCity of Dayton Recreation and Youth Services(937) 333-8400

September 5Sickle Cell Awareness Month Cincinnati Kick-Off


Sickle Cell Awareness Month Section10 a.m.-2 p.m.Fountain Square416 Vine StreetCincinnati, OH 45202Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREEDescription: Kick-off event sponsored by the Cincin-nati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center to commemorate Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Center staff will be onsite to provide educational information about sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.Organizer: Cincinnati Compre-hensive Sickle Cell CenterContact: Lisa Shook(513) 636-7541

September 83rd Annual Onyx and Ice Ballfor Sickle Cell8 p.m.-1 a.m.798 Union Hall313 S. Jefferson StreetDayton, OH 45402Audience: Adults (21 years and older)Cost: $30.00 in advance/$35.00 at the doorDescription: This is an Urban Ballroom and Chicago Style Stepping event to benefit individuals affected by sickle cell disease. Dress to impress in black and white with a touch of red for sickle cell awareness. Come out and support a great cause and listen to “grown folks” music with wonderful guest DJ’s. The West Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide information about sickle cell disorders and regional program services.Organizers: The Dayton Urban Ballroom Group and West Cen-tral Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell CenterContacts: Tenia Foster/Debo-rah Hassell(937) 474-0086

September 824th Annual Westown Health Fair10 a.m.-2 p.m.Westown Shopping Center4257 West Third StreetDayton, OH 45417Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREEDescription: Community health fair that will include health screenings and health education materials. The West Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide information concerning sickle cell disorders and regional program services.Organizers: Public Health of Dayton and Montgomery County, WDAO–Radio (1210

AM) and Management of We-stown Shopping CenterContact: Jennifer BoydPublic Health of Dayton and Montgomery County(937) 225-5878

September 8Africa on the Rise-African Summit10 a.m.-5 p.m.Xavier UniversityLocation of event: Cintas Center1624 Herald AvenueCincinnati, OH 45207Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREEDescription: This annual event is targeted toward individuals interested in African commerce and issues affecting Africans in the Cincinnati area. The Cincin-nati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide educational information about sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.Organizer: Africa Foundation-USAContact: (513) 284-609

September 8The Annual HealthCare Connection Lincoln Heights Health Center PancakeJazz Brunch9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.The Healthcare Connection Lincoln Heights Health Center1401 Steffen AvenueLincoln Heights, OH 43215Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREEDescription: This is an annual event held by the HealthCare Connection Lincoln Heights Health Center. The Cincin-nati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide educational information about sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.Organizer: The HealthCare Connection Lincoln Heights Health CenterContact: Rochelle Shields(513) 659-6316

September 12Ohio Statewide Sickle Cell Advisory Committee Meeting11 a.m.-2 p.m.Columbus State Community CollegeLocation of event: Center for Workforce Development-Board Room315 Cleveland AvenueColumbus, OH 43215Audience: Open to Statewide Advisory Committee Members. Interested non-members/guests may attend meetings with prior notice to the organizer.Description: This is a quarterly meeting of the Advisory Commit-

tee in recognition of September Sickle Cell Awareness MonthOrganizer: Sickle Cell Dis-ease Association of America (SCDAA)/Ohio Sickle Cell and Health AssociationContact: Wendy Berry-West(614) 228-0157

September 12Central State University-Dayton Health FairFor Times visit website at: http://centralstate.eduCentral State University-Dayton CampusLocation of event: James A. Elam Hall840 Germantown StreetDayton, OH 45402Audience: College studentsCost: FREEDescription: A health education event for college students and staff of Central State University. The West Central Ohio Compre-hensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide information about sickle cell disorders and regional program services.Organizer: Central State UniversityContact: Aaron [email protected]

September 13City of Cincinnati Health Fair7-10:30 a.m.Greater Cincinnati Water Works4747 Spring Grove AvenueCincinnati, OH 45232Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREERegistration Deadline: No registration required. Sign-in at event.Description: This event provides health screenings and health information for individu-als in the Cincinnati area. The Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will provide educational information about sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.Organizer: City of Cincinnati-Tri HealthContact:http://www.cityofcincinnati.trihealth.com

September 15“ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL” Back to School Programming2:30-4:30 p.m.Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public LibraryLocation of event: Brody-Nelson Meeting Room2345 Lee RoadCleveland, OH 44118Audience: School-age students with sickle cell disease, parents, family and friendsDescription: A combined infor-mational session and affected

family meeting. A speaker from the Coalition for Education of Children with Disabilities will be available to discuss their ser-vices and resource information. School issues related to IEP’s, 504 planning and transitioning will also be discussed. Parents will have the opportunity to share their planning and school experiences. The program will also offer students network-ing opportunities and school resources.Organizer: ASCAAContact: Leslie Carter(216) 229-8600 ext. 227

September 15Adolescent and Young Adult Education and Health Fair10 a.m.-2 p.m.Nationwide Children’s HospitalLocation of event: Outdoors700 Children’s DriveColumbus, OH 43205Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREEDescription: During the month of September, adolescents and young adults with sickle cell dis-ease will share their stories and provide education to the general public on the facts about sickle cell disease.Organizer: Comprehensive Sickle Cell and Thalassemia ProgramContact: Tanica Jeffries(614) 722-5948

September 15Progressive Baptist Church of Tomorrow Health Fair11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Progressive Baptist Church of Tomorrow4582 Lee RoadCleveland, OH 44128Audience: Parishioners/general publicCost: FREEDescription: This health fair will focus on health educa-tion. Health screenings and resources will be available. The ASCAA will be onsite to provide diagnostic testing for sickle cell disease and hemoglobin traits.Organizer: Progressive Baptist Church of Tomorrow Nursing CommitteeContact:Evangelist Renee Woodland Anderson, Chairman(216) 475-2057

September 154th Annual Stepping into Sickle Cell Awareness Walk9 a.m. (Registration)East Technical High School (rain or shine)2439 East 55th StreetCleveland, OH 44104Audience: General public and

individuals/families affected by sickle cell disease/sickle cell traitCost: $10 (without walk Tee shirt)/$25 with walk T-shirt)Description: A 3k-walk to raise awareness and visibility of sickle cell disorders in the Cleveland area. Event will include a health fair and resource fair.Organizer: Kincaid’s Kindred Spirits, Inc.Contact: Adrienne Kincaid(216) 347-1931

September 15 and 16Sickle Cell SabbathSickle Cell Sabbath is an interfaith outreach campaign de-signed to educate and increase awareness within the faith-based community about sickle cell disease and the need for minority blood donors.

A statewide initiative, Sickle Cell Sabbath is a coordinated, coop-erative effort between the Ohio Regional Sickle Cell Projects and various statewide and/or local faith-based groups or organiza-tions. All religious denominations are encouraged to participate.

For more information or to par-ticipate in Sickle Cell Sabbath, contact an Ohio Regional Sickle Cell Project listed below:

Region I-CincinnatiComprehensive Sickle Cell CenterCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center(513) 636-7541

Region II-DaytonWest Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell CenterChildren’s Hospital Medical Center(937) 641-5014

Region III-ToledoSickle Cell Project of Northwest Ohio(419) 255-7883 ext. 110

Region IV-ColumbusComprehensive Sickle Cell and Thalassemia ProgramNationwide Children’s Hospital(614) 722-5948

SCDAA/Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association(614) 228-0157

Region V-ClevelandAmerican Sickle Cell Anemia Association(216) 229-8600

Region VI-AkronSickle Cell ProgramAkron Children’s Hospital(330) 543-3521

September 18Tom Joyner Health Fair10 a.m.-4 p.m.Scott High School Field House2400 Collingwood Blvd.Toledo, OH 43620Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREEDescription: Large an-nual health fair. The Sickle Cell Project of Northwest Ohio will be onsite to provide information about sickle cell disorders and regional services.Organizer: Toledo-Lucas County Health DepartmentContact: Jerry Kerr(419) 213-4131

September 19Central State UniversityHealth FairFor Times visit website at:http://centralstate.eduCentral State University-Main Campus1400 Brush Hollow RoadP.O. Box 1004Dayton, OH 45384Audience: College studentsCost: FREEDescription: A health education event for college students and staff of Central State University. The West Central Ohio Compre-hensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide information about sickle cell disorders and regional program services.Organizer: Central State UniversityContact: Aaron [email protected]

September 20City of Cincinnati Health Fair7-10:30 a.m.Centennial II805 Central AvenueCincinnati, OH 45202Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREERegistration Deadline: No registration required. Sign-in at event.Description: This event provides health screenings and health information for individu-als in the Cincinnati area. The Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will provide educational information about sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.Organizer: City of Cincinnati-Tri HealthContact:http://www.cityofcincinnati.trihealth.com

September 218th Annual Red andWhite Cell-abration7-10 p.m. (Social/Dinner Hour)Normandy Party Center


30310 Palisade ParkwayWickliffe, OH 44092Audience: Open to the publicCost: $50 in advance/$55 at the doorRegistration Deadline: Sept.14, 2012Description: Annual semi-formal fundraiser event for Kin-caid’s Kindred Spirits sickle cell support group to raise aware-ness and recognize individuals living with sickle cell disease.Organizer: Kincaid’s Kindred Spirits, Inc.Contact: Adrienne Kincaid(216) 347-1931

September 22Annual 5K Run, Walk or Jog for Sickle Cell Disease9 a.m. (Registration)Wegerzyn Gardens Metro Park1301 East Siebenthaler AvenueDayton, OH 45406Audience: General public and individuals/families affected by sickle cell disease/sickle cell traitCost: $15 (registration, T-shirt and goodie bag). Event is FREE

for anyone who would just like to walk for sickle cell awareness.Registration Deadline: Early registration is suggested. You may also register the day of the event.Description: Annual run/walk/jog to promote sickle cell awareness. The West Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide information related to sickle cell disorders and regional program services.Organizer: Dayton/Springfield Sickle Cell Affected Families Association, Inc.Contact: Cassandra Ways, ChairAngela Grayson, Co-Chair(937) 864-4357

September 22Open Door MissionaryBaptist Church Annual Healthand Career Fair11 a.m.-3 p.m.Open Door Missionary Baptist ChurchLocation of event: Parking

lot adjacent to the church and Mitchell Hall-Lower Auditorium8215 Woodland AvenueCleveland, OH 44104Audience: Parishioners and the general publicDescription: This health and career fair will focus on health and career services. Health screenings and resources will be available. The ASCAA will be onsite to provide diagnostic testing for sickle cell disease and hemoglobin traits.Organizer: Open Door Mis-sionary Baptist Church Annual Health and Career Fair Com-mitteeContact: Terri Merriweather, President(216) 721-0177

September 22University Hospitals (UH) Rainbow Sickle Cell Anemia Community Day11 a.m.-2 p.m.The Cleveland Metroparks ZooLocation of event: Waterfowl Lake Tent

3900 Wildlife WayCleveland, OH 44109Audience: Children, teens and adults with sickle cell disease (and their families) who receive services at UH/Rainbow Babies and Children’s (RBC) HospitalRegistration Deadline: Sept. 7, 2012Description: A fun, FREE event with educational materials on sickle cell disease, booths with educational activities, helpful resources and giveaways for patients and families. Onsite testing will be available through the American Sickle Cell Anemia Association. Box lunch provided.Organizer: UH/RBC HospitalContact: Amy Fink (216) 844-1393

September 229th Annual Mychal Clayton Sickle Cell Awareness Walk8 a.m. (Registration)9 a.m. (Opening Ceremony)10 a.m. (Walk and Motorcycle Ride Begins)

Lock 3 Park (Downtown Akron)200 South Main StreetAkron, OH 44308Audience: Community/PublicCost: $10 registration (early)/$15 registration (late)Registration Deadline: Deadline for early registration is Sept. 6, 2012. Early registra-tion guarantees the participant a walk T-shirt. Late registration (after Sept. 6, 2012) does not guarantee the participant a walk T-shirt.Description: This is a walk along the towpath to raise awareness about sickle cell disease. Food will be avail-able, along with vendors, a DJ and performances. There will also be a motorcycle ride to benefit the Region VI Sickle Cell Program who will be onsite to distribute information about sickle cell disorders and regional program services.Organizers: Region VI Sickle Cell Program at Akron Children’s Hospital and Toka ClaytonContact: LaTonya Lewis

Region VI Sickle Cell Program(330) 543-3521

September 24Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center Blood DriveFor Blood Drive Times Contact:Lisa Shook (513) 636-7541Cincinnati Children’sHospital Medical Center3333 Burnet AvenueCincinnati, OH 45229Audience: Employees and friends of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCost: FREEDescription: The Cincin-nati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center is hosting a blood drive in honor of Sickle Cell Aware-ness Month to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait and the importance of minority blood donation.Organizers: Cincinnati Compre-hensive Sickle Cell Center and Hoxworth Blood CenterContact: Lisa ShookCincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center (513) 636-7541


Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Awareness Event Listings


September 29Columbus Zoo and Aquarium DayDuring zoo hours:1-2 p.m. (Program)Columbus Zoo and Aquarium4850 West Powell RoadPowell, OH 43065Audience: School-aged children with sickle cell disease (and their families) who receive services at Nationwide Chil-dren’s Hospital/Comprehensive Sickle Cell and Thalassemia ProgramCost: FREERegistration Deadline: Sept. 15, 2012Description: At this event, school-aged children with sickle cell disease and their families will learn about the genetics of the disorder through a fun, hand-on experience identify-ing inherited traits of small zoo animals.Organizer: Comprehensive Sickle Cell and Thalassemia ProgramContact: Tanica Jeffries(614) 722-5948

OCTOBER 2012

October 6Price Hill Women’s Health Fair9 a.m.-1 p.m.Price Hill Community Center959 Hawthorne AvenueCincinnati, OH 45205Audience: Open to the publicCost: FREEDescription: This event provides health screenings and health information for women in the Cincinnati area. The Cincin-nati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide educational information about sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.Organizer: Price Hill Women’s Health Fair Committee and Santa Maria Community ServicesContact: Erin HendersonSanta Maria Community Services(513) 557-2700 ext. 227

October 10University of Cincinnati (UC) Health and Wellness Fair11a.m.-2 p.m.University of CincinnatiLocation of event: McMicken

Commons(Corner of Clifton Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive)Cincinnati, OH 45219Audience: College students and employees of UCCost: FREEDescription: Annual health and wellness fair hosted by the UC Wellness Center. The Cincin-nati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will be onsite to provide educational information about sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.Organizer: UC Wellness CenterContact: (513) 556-6124

October 13“Sickle Cell Disease: Empowerment through Community Conversation”12 Noon-3 p.m.University of ToledoLocation of event: Scott Park Campus of Energy-Auditorium200 W. Scott Park DriveToledo, OH 43607Audience: Open to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, health profession-als and the general publicCost: FREEDescription: This is the first of

several historic town hall meet-ings to be conducted across the state of Ohio. The goal of the meeting is to increase the spiritual, political, social and economic strength of the community with respect to as-sisting individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. Attendees will have access to a panel of speakers in several topic areas.Organizers: SCDAA/Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Associa-tion and the Sickle Cell Project of Northwest OhioContact: Wendy Berry-WestSCDAA/Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Assoc.(614) 228-0157Kortney WeberSickle Cell Project of Northwest Ohio(419) 255-7883 ext. 110

October 20Cincinnati Walks for Kids8 a.m.-1 p.m.Coney Island6201 Kellogg AvenueCincinnati, OH 45230Audience: Patients, families and supporters of Cincin-nati Children’s Hospital Medical

CenterCost: FREEDescription: This 3-mile walk offers fun for the whole family, including refreshments, music and more. There is no registra-tion fee to participate, but each walker is asked to raise at least $25 in donations. Walkers can

raise funds to directly benefit the “Cincinnati Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center.”Organizer: Cincinnati Compre-hensive Sickle Cell CenterContact: Cincinnati Walks for Kids Walk Team(513) 636-2941


OHIO CONFERENCE NAACP National Association for the Advancement of

Colored People

The Ohio Conference NAACP in partnership with the Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association supports Sickle Cell Month and the Sickle Cell Sabbath throughout Ohio.


Colored People



Colored People



Colored People



Colored People


For an expanded list of the

health events lisings visit:

http://1.usa.gov/NOLSFG

Download this issue at

praisereporter.com


by Pastor Brad StraitAt Columbine, I have seen this before.

But not up close. As a church pastor in Denver, I have

worked as a chaplain with several police and fire departments. I was privileged tocounsel parents just hours after the Littleton Columbine shootings.

However, in this new tragedy at the Aurora Theater Dark Night shooting, one of the victims was a 22 year old woman from

my church, Petra Anderson (pronounced Pay-tra). Petra went to the movies with two young friends who are biking across Amer-ica. You and I have been inundated with news about what happened next. A joyful movie turned into bloody, unbelievable cha-os. Petra was hit four times with a shot-gun blast, three shots into her arm and one bullet which entered her brain. This a bit of Petra’s miracle story.

With awesome people from our caring and pastoral team, I spent all day Friday in theICUwithPetraandherfamily.Herin-juries were severe, and her condition was critical.

A bullet had entered Petra’s face through her nose, and then traveled up through her brain until stopping at the back of her skull. The doctors prior to surgery were concerned, because so much of the brain had been traversed by the bullet. Many areas of brain function were involved. They were hoping to keep her alive long enough to get her into surgery. The prognosis was uncertain—if she lived, Petra might struggle with speech, movement, and thinking due to considerable brain damage. With Kim, Petra’smother(whoisinthefinalstagesofterminal cancer), we simply cried, hugged, and prayed.

It is pressed into my memory now. Mo-

tion and emotion…Other families come and go into the

ICUwaiting room. Some sit with us, andwe talk. Others are visited by doctors with “Family Advocates” in tow. The families lis-ten, sob, and then are moved like stunned cattle to a more private space to grieve.

Wepray.Petraisfinallytakenintosur-gery, using two different surgical teams. One team of neurosurgeons will open up the back of her skull to remove the bullet and clean up brain damage as best they can. Another ENT-specialty surgical team will then work through Petra’s nose by scope to follow the bullet’s path up into her brain. Their hope is to remove bone fragments, clean up damaged brain tissue, and reseal her brain to reduce infection.

If you have lived any of your days in a hospital waiting room, you know how long the enduring process is.

It has a woeful pattern to it.Sit. Walk. Grab a drink.Sit. Walk. Answer a phone call.Sit. Walk. Hug someone.Sit. Talk to the FBI. Sit. Pick at the food.Sit. Walk. Go down the hall, but not

too far because you’re afraid to miss some-thing.

Back. Hug. Pray. Sit. Sit.Apictureofafiveyearoldwaitingfor

next Christmas from January 1st comes to my mind. FOREVER. Only this feels worse: a heavy forever, with no promise of pres-ents, Santa, or good news at the end.

Petra Anderson and her world class violin.

After the waiting drags for over fivehours, tired doctors and nurses spill back into the room, one or two at a time. I look for“FamilyAdvocates”butcanfindnone.I exhale.

The doctors update us: “It went well, and she’s recovering now. We found very little damage to the brain, and got the bul-let out cleanly. It went better than we hoped for.” Each brings a warrior’s smile, and a bit of information—information that we turn into hope as we regurgitate it over the next hours. Still, the medical team remains pro-fessional and reserved, “Something might still go wrong. We just need to wait and see ifshemakesitforthenext48hours.”

Tears and thank you’s abound. We are so thankful for these men and women. We hug. Everyone hugs.

Then, round two. Sit. Wait. Pray. Fully dressed people cuddle into small snails and trytosleeponthefloor.Someareshuttledto a room donated by the Holiday Inn across

A Miracle Inside the Dark Knight Shooting

Petra Anderson and her world class violin.

“We are here for you” is the message Dr. Chris Hill, senior pastor of The Potter’s House of Denver, hopes the Aurora, Colo. residents hear as grieving and healing con-tinue from the Colo. movie theater shooting. The Potter’s House of Denver has opened its doors for daily prayer services and is of-fering free ongoing counseling.

“Our hearts are overwhelmed with an inexplicable grief,” said Dr. Chris Hill. “Our goal is to offer an oasis of comfort and com-passion to the city of Aurora in its time of mourning, and to provide practical help and hope as our community struggles to make sense of such a tragic and senseless act.”

Resources for the Community:* Professional counseling services avail-

able24hoursadayat303-369-8154

* Daily prayer services, beginning at noon, at The Potter’s House of Denver (9495 E. Florida Ave., Denver, Colo.)

A Focus on HealingCrisis hotlines were immediately estab-

lished to accommodate grief-stricken resi-dents needing a compassionate voice at the other end of the line. To help area citizens move towards long-term healing, The Pot-ter’s House of Denver is offering free pro-fessional counseling services available to the broader Denver-Aurora community. Its Denver counseling center is the largest pro-fessional counseling center in the Denver metropolitan area, having served more than 18,000patientssince2011.

The shooting hit very close to home with nearly 60 percent of The Potter’s

House’s members residing in Aurora. Some had attended the midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises,” while others had direct, personal connections to the victims.

About the Potter’s House of DenverThe Potter’s House of Denver is one

ofthefastestgrowingchurchesintheU.S.,nearly tripling in membership since its doorsopenedinthespringof2010.Underthe leadership of Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Chris Hill has arisen as a voice of compassion and active member of the Denver community. The church is located at 9495 E. Florida Ave., Denver, Colo. www.tphd.org

SOURCE The Potter’sHouse ofDen-ver

Potters House of Denver Responds to Movie Theater ShootingChurch offers counseling and prayer for community every day at noon

around the nation

Listen to your favorite gospel music at praisereporter.com

See shooting, on page 26


“I Feel Better Than I’ve Felt in Years, Maybe Even My Entire Life,” Says Shawn Galloway

December2011:SynCardiaTotalArtifi-cial Heart recipient Shawn Galloway post-transplant with her husband Joel and her daughter Hannah. Galloway received her heart transplant on Sept. 20, 2011, after 60 daysoflifewiththeTotalArtificialHeart.

On Sept. 20, 2011, 39-year-old ShawnGalloway was given new life when she re-ceived a donor heart transplant after 60 days of support with the SynCardia temporary TotalArtificialHeart.ThisSeptember,Gallo-way and her family will be blessed with new life for a second time.

“We are in the process of adopting a baby,” said Galloway, who has a 9-year-old daughter. “Our baby girl is due Sept. 21 and we are super excited about the new addition to our family. It is just one more reason that

we are so thankful for the Total ArtificialHeart!!! I wouldn’t even be here to consider adopting had it not been for the grace of God and SynCardia.”

Galloway was diagnosed with heart failurein2003,aftershebeganexperiencingshortness of breath while three months preg-nant with her daughter Hannah. She spent three weeks in the hospital while doctors sta-bilized her with medication and went on to have a healthy delivery.

A year later, Galloway was hospitalized again with the same symptoms, but was able to live a relatively normal life for the next seven years. However, in February 2011, she came down with a virus she couldn’t shake and ended up back in the hospital.

“My cardiologist told me we had got-ten all the miles we could out of my heart and that they were going to start working me up for a transplant,” said Galloway. “It was beyond my ability to grasp. You hear about heart transplants, but you never really think it’s going to happen to you. They got me on the transplant list but I got sicker and sicker as I waited. Every night we prayed for a heart to come and it just never did.”

To save Galloway’s life, on July 22, 2011, doctors at Texas Heart Institute performed their first implant of the SynCardia TotalArtificialHearttobridgehertoatransplant.ShewasthefirstoffourpatientstoreceivetheTotalArtificialHeartatTexasHeartInsti-tute during a 12-day period.

“The first thing my family said afterthe surgery was they could not believe how pink my skin was and how deep the color of my lips was because I was getting oxygen forthefirsttimeinmonths,”saidGalloway.“I could breathe when I walked and I didn’t feel like I was going to suffocate. It was like an elephant had been sitting on my chest and then suddenly that elephant got off.”

A month after her surgery, Galloway became the first patient in Houston to beswitched to the Freedom® portable driver, theworld’sfirstwearablepowersupplyfortheTotalArtificialHeart.

OnAug. 23, 2011, shewasdischargedfrom the hospital to wait for a matching donor heart at home just in time to take her daughtertoschoolforherfirstdayofsecond

grade. Galloway says she is very grateful for the support she received from her family and her husband Joel, who is a pastor.

“I never once woke up in the hospital in the middle of the night by myself,” said Galloway. “Joel was my rock. When my feet needed rubbing, he rubbed them. When I was crying, it was his shoulder I was crying on. The same goes for my mom, who took care of Hannah. I couldn’t have done it with-out them.”

While waiting for her donor heart, Gal-loway was able to go shopping at the mall, go out to dinner with her family and attend church to hear her husband preach. Two months after receiving the Total ArtificialHeart, a matching donor heart became avail-able.

“I woke up after the transplant and told my husband we need to thank God for my donor heart and pray for my donor family who is going through an excruciating time,” said Galloway, who sent a letter to her do-nor’s family. “While we were thrilled for the new life that had been given to me, we also felt terrible for their loss.”

Today, Galloway gives back by volun-teering every Wednesday at Texas Heart Institute, talking to other patients who are waiting for a transplant as someone who has been through it.

“Coming up on 9 months since my transplant, I feel great, I feel amazing,” said Galloway. “I feel better than I’ve felt in years, maybe even my entire life. It is possible to make it through this, not only because of the technology but also because of the grace of God. I would encourage people to sign up to be donors because there is an extreme short-age. People are dying every day because they need an organ and none become available.”

To learn more about becoming an organ donor, please visit http://organdonor.gov

The Freedom portable driver is CE ap-proved for use in Europe and undergoing an FDA-approved Investigational Device Ex-emption(IDE)clinicalstudyintheU.S.

CAUTION – The Freedom portabledriver is an investigational device, limited byUnitedStateslawtoinvestigationaluse.

Heart Surgery Survivor Adopts Child 1yr After TransplantCredits God’s Grace and Artificial Heart for Saving Her Life

around the nation

The NAACP Health Department has written the Pastoral Brief and Ac-tivity Manual to encourage faith lead-ers to engage in HIV advocacy. These tools were created to educate, alleviate concerns and motivate faith leaders to action. Throughout the Pastoral Brief and Activity Manual, we hope to inspire you and the communities you serve to join us as advocates and agents of God’s love to support those infected and af-fected by HIV.

Given the Black Church’s historic involvement in advocacy, we have come to you, our faith leaders, to join in thefightagainstthisinjustice.Wehavelearned in the past that when the Black Church and the NAACP come together, great things are accomplished. Elimi-nating HIV will take another great ef-fort, and it is with the faith community and faith leaders, like you, that we can mitigate the effects of the epidemic.

Based on this belief, the NAACP conducted a year-long, 11-city research tour with over 250 faith leaders across denominations to identify best prac-tices and challenges when addressing HIV within the Black Church. With this collected research and insight from the HIV manual advisory committee, we developed The Black Church and HIV: The Social Justice Imperative.

You may download the manual and the pastor’s brief at www.theblack-churchandhiv.org

NAACP CreatesHIV Resourcefor Churches

December 2011: SynCardia Total Artificial Heart recipient Shawn Galloway post-transplant with her husband Joel and her daughter Hannah. Galloway received her heart transplant on Sept. 20, 2011, after 60 days of life with the Total Artificial Heart. Photo by Thomas Nguyen. (PRNewsFoto/SynCardia Sys-tems, Inc.)

FREE Church Directory Ad & FREE Church Event Listings online at praisereporter.com


Acclaimed Actress, NAACP Image Award Nominee and Dove Award-Winning Singer TAMELA MANN is set to release her highly-anticipated Gospel CD BEST DAYS on August 14, 2012 through TillyMann Music Group Inc. and distributed by Cen-tral South Distribution. That week, Mann also celebrates the release of Sparkle, star-ring Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston, in which she is featured playing the role of Houston’s best friend, “Sarah Waters.” ThefilmhitstheatersonAugust,17,2012.ThefirstsinglefromBESTDAYS,“TakeMeTo The King,” penned and produced by Tamela’s long-time friend and Gospel icon, Kirk Franklin, is taking radio by storm. The firstweekofrelease,thetrackwasthemostadded and received most increased plays debuting at #20 on the Gospel chart. This

week, “Take Me To The King” climbed to #11 on the Gospel radio chart.

“I want to present music that people can be blessed by and that can be healing,” said Tamela about the new CD. “We have to put music out to keep people encour-aged and keep lifting the body of Christ up, and even the ones that haven’t become Christians. We need to encourage them that the best thing that they could ever do is become a child of God.”

Produced by Myron Butler and Kirk Franklin, the 12-song CD showcases Tame-la’s powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics. The title track, penned by Butler, is a jubi-lant celebration of God’s promises. “It’s a very encouraging song and gives a lot of hope,” Tamela said. “It’s about looking back on your past, but not letting it take

over your life. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Things will be better.”

Surrounding the release of “Take Me To The King” to radio and in preparation of the CD release in August, a multi-city promo tour is scheduled for Tamela over the next few months, making stops at churches, radio stations and events across the country. Tamela will share new music from BEST DAYS, pre-sell CDs, and sign autographs for fans. Please stay tuned to www.tillymannmusic.com and www.face-book.com/davidtamelamann for her up-dated tour itinerary.

In addition to launching her new CD,TamelaappearsintheupcomingfilmSparkle, in theaters on August 17. Sparkle, aremakeofthe1976film,tellsthestoryofa young musical prodigy from a Harlem gospel choir, who is pushed into the lime-light and struggles to become a star. The title character, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) is the youngest of three sisters in the 1950’s girl group who faces issues that are tearing apart their family in her road to stardom. Along with Tamela and Sparks, the stellar cast also includes Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carman Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Cee-Lo Green among others.

For more information about Tamela Mann, visit http://www.tillymannmusic.com.

Award Winning Actress, Singer Tamela Mann Slated To Release New CDDebut Single “Take Me To The King” Penned And Produced By Kirk Franklin Debuted At #20 On Gospel Radio Chart, Landed At #2 on Gospel Radio

TOP 10 GOSPEL Gospel Music, Entertainment & EventsAwesomePastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago

Take Me To The KingTamela Mann

Let The Church Say AmenAndrae Crouch Featuring Marvin Winans

6

7

8

9

10

Shifting The AtmosphereJason Nelson

My TestimonyMarvin Sapp

Go Get ItMary Mary

After ThisYouthful Praise Featuring JJ Hairston

I Won’t Go BackWilliam McDowell

Keep MePatrick Dopson

I Feel GoodFred Hammond

Tamela Mann


Get ready Columbus, GospelFest 2012 is coming! This highly anticipated annual family event promises to release an even greater deposit into the lives of the Colum-bus community.

Invading Genova Park in downtown Columbus , September 8,GospelFest 2012will explode onto the scene with a day of fun filledministry and community activi-ties designed to speak to the total person. With something for everyone, this event will celebrate the art of gospel, highlight the many talents of the Columbus community, hold a Children’s Edu-Fun Fest, CareSource

Wellness Fair including the Ohio Health Mammography/Bone Density screenings, Red Cross Blood Drive, a live Zumba ses-sion and more.

On Saturday, many will grace the stage, bothyoungandold,displayingdiversifiedtalents through the gospel arts. Local and National Artists Include, Camille Benton, Living Faith Apostolic Church Choir, Men of God’s Heart, Jelani Dance, Columbus State Gospel Vocal Ensemble, Lady Xtreme, Pastor LaMarr Scales, New Salem Baptist Church Choir, 300, Eagle Rock WorshipTeam, First Church of God Choir and The

Experience to name just a few. There will also be comedians and local media person-alities on hand as well and much more!

There will also be a special segment for this year celebration the 200th anniversary of the City of Columbus! This includes the Gathering of Men where we look to have one thousand men from all over our com-munity come together to pray for and up our city, neighborhoods and country in pray.

The Columbus GospelFest is a celebra-tion of the Gospel Arts, family and commu-nitywhich began in 1984 on the FranklinPark Conservatory lawn. Then known as the Summer GospelFest, this event grew year after year, impacting the community through the vehicle of the Gospel Arts. Gos-pel, which simply means “glad tidings” or “good news” is the root of the celebration and at the Columbus GospelFest, this “good news” is celebrated through music, the spo-ken word, drama and various diverse forms of artistic expression. This celebration is for

all people.The Columbus GospelFest has re-

ceived several awards including 2000/2001 &2005CertificatesofRecognitionfromtheCity of Columbus (Mayor Michael Coleman presenting the 2000 Award), 1994 Commu-nity Service Award from the Columbus Dis-patch and a Proclamation from Columbus City Council, 2007 Proclamation from the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives for outstanding representation of communi-ty involvement. This organization partners with many Pastors, Churches, Businesses, Artists, Ministries, Missions and Social-Health Organizations.

If you would like to pre-registrer for the Mammography Screenings/Blood Drive, support or be a part of this community ef-fort please contact us at Columbus Gospel-Fest email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>call614-209-3444or614-657-2390Youcan also check us out on FaceBook.

Columbus GospelFest 2012 Celebrating 28 years of Gospel Arts in Columbus, Ohio

Gospel Music, Entertainment & Events


eats & treats

Here are a few ideas to help get a nutri-tious and delicious breakfast on the table, even when you’re short on time.

Set the table the night before. Add non-perishables in the morning.

Make things simple by getting one cereal the whole family will enjoy, such as Post Honey Bunches of Oats. To help with portion control, divvy up servings into bag-gies.

Keep a stash of wholesome on-the-go breakfasts in case you’re running late. Wholefruit,yogurtcups,andthesemuffinsmake it easy to grab and go.

For more ways to make your breakfast better, visit www.facebook.com/honey-bunchesofoats.

CranberryOrangeMuffinsPrep Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 42 minutesMakes: 16 servings

13/4 cupsflour•1 cup, plus 1 tablespoon sugar•

4 teaspoons baking powder•2 cups Honey Bunches of Oats ce-•real3/4cupfat-freemilk•1 egg•1 teaspoon grated orange peel•1/3cuporangejuice•2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon oil•1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, •coarsely chopped

Preheatovento375°F.

Combineflour,1cupsugarandbakingpowder in large bowl.

Mix 1 cup cereal and milk in medium bowl;letstand3minutes.Addegg,orangepeel, orange juice and 2 tablespoons oil; mix well.

Add to flour mixture; stir just untilmoistened. (Batter will be lumpy.) Gently stir in cranberries.

Crush remaining 1 cup cereal; mix with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and 1

tsp. oil. Spoon batter evenly into 16 paper-

linedmediummuffincups.Topwithcerealmixture.

Bake 22minutes or untilmuffins aregolden brown and wooden toothpick in-serted in center comes out clean. Cool in

pan 5 minutes; remove to wire rack. Serve warm or cooled.

FAMILY FEATURES

A Better Breakfast for Busy Families

RE

GIS

TE

R T

OD

AY


business & employment

By 2020, an estimated 1 million regis-terednursejobsintheU.S.healthcaresys-temwillgounfilled—butthatdoesn’thaveto happen. To care for a growing population of older, sicker patients, nursing schools,

health care employers and technology in-novators must work together to close this gap.

Apollo Research Institute convened a panel of nursing educators, health care ex-

ecutives and other nursing thought leaders to propose solutions to the shortage and otherindustrychallenges.Keyfindingsarepublished in the Apollo Research Institute report “Critical Conditions: Preparing the 21st-Century Nursing Workforce.” The re-port addresses ways to improve nurse re-cruitment, education and career advance-ment to anticipate tomorrow’s health care needs.

Panelistsidentifiedthelackofnursingfaculty as a major factor in the shortage. Prospective students are being wait listed at nursing schools and existing nurses are unable to continue their education. Health care organizations have assisted by provid-ing practicing nurses as part-time faculty or mentors.

The panel also discussed an Institute of Medicine report that recommended higher levels of education for registered nurses. For nurses to achieve the recom-mended academic credentials, employers and higher education providers must col-laborate to improve program access. The nursingexpertssuggestedflexibleschedul-ing for students who work or are raising a family, professional development tracks for

working nurses, and community college partnerships for associate’s-to-bachelor’s program transitions.

Technology will continue to drive in-novations in nursing practice and edu-cation, panelists noted, citing electronic health records and simulation technology. But they also agreed that nursing technol-ogy should never replace the personal touch and that it must be deployed more efficiently.Panelistsalsopredictedgreaterreliance on outpatient services and rising numbers of geriatric cancer patients as the U.S.populationages.

These and other shifts will require nurses to get involved in creating solu-tions. “As the front line of patient care, nurses need to share their insights with policymakers, educators and employers sothattheindustrycanbenefitfromtheirclinical expertise and understanding of pa-tients’ social and emotional needs,” says Dr. Tracey Wilen-Daugenti, vice president and managing director of Apollo Research Institute and the panel’s moderator.

To learn more, visit www.apollore-searchinstitute.org.

NAPSI

To Solve The Nursing Shortage, Employers and Educators Must Partner

The rising population of older Americans will make the nursing shortage even more acute.

Small business owners have to juggle multiple responsibilities and watch the bottom line. Although many turn to the web for marketing help and for services to run more smoothly, knowing some tips and tricks on how to better use these tools can make a big difference in terms of time, money and headaches saved.

David Friend, who was recognized by Ernst & Young as one of New England’s Entrepreneursof theYear, sharesfive tipsto help owners be smart with their online efforts and their business.

1.Usesocialmediaplatformstocon-nect with your customers. Whether it’s Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Pinterest, these channels are quick ways to remind your customers of your offerings. Post reg-ularly to stay top of mind; sharing an up-date once a week will keep your followers engaged.

2. Listen with your eyes. Online review sites, from Angie’s List to Yelp, give people a number of ways to voice their opinions.

Monitor these sites regularly to see what customers are saying about your business. And know the dynamic isn’t just one way. You can use this as an opportunity to grace-fully accept compliments or tactfully re-spond to criticism; however be careful not to engage in an argument.

3. You’ve got mail. In today’s fast-pacedtimes,consumersmayfinditeasierto send an email instead of calling with a question or inquiry. Try to respond quickly, which will show customers that you care about them and that you are able to help them with any issues. A quick answer can improve overall customer satisfaction.

4. Beware of data thieves. With more business conducted online than ever before, cyber security should be top of mind. To protect your data, do not open suspicious emails, use strong passwords, and make sure your anti-virus and anti-malware sig-nature database is up to date.

5. Make sure you’re protected. Results from a recent study by Carbonite revealed

that small businesses have big gaps in their data backup plans, which puts them at risk for losing valuable information in the in-stance of power outage, hard drive failure or even a virus. In fact, the study showed that small businesses continue to choose risky and unreliable technologies:

•50percentuseexternalharddrives,yet 40 percent didn’t start backing up until they experienced a hard drive failure.

•42percentuseUSB/flashdrivespri-marily because it is perceived as easy, yet only6percentbelieveUSB/flashdrivesareactually reliable.

•Morethanone-thirduseCDs/DVDdrives to back up data, even though 62 per-cent feel they are inconvenient or risky.

Just like seat belts and insurance, you may only appreciate online backup after it’s too late. However, its implementation is very easy and cost effective. It gives busi-ness owners peace of mind and more time to focus on the matters at hand. Online backup services such as Carbonite offer an

affordable and reliable way for small busi-nesses to back up their data, plus there’s a 30-dayfreetrialonitswebsitewww.carbo-nite.com. NAPSI

Five Web Tips For Every Small Business Owner


Every day, nearly 2,185 children are reported missing. We pray for them.

Call us at (888) 493-4993 or post your request online at

prayersformissingchildren.org to report a child you would like us to pray for.

the street. Thank you, Lord, for every little thing. We sit. We pray. “We’ll understand better tomorrow.”

PetraismovedbacktoICU.Shelooks,surprisingly, wonderful. With a small hole in her nose, and her arm wrapped, she al-most looks uninjured. She is medicated and sleeping when I come to visit her on Saturday. I sit, talk, and pray quietly with Kim amid the darkened room, lit by glow-ing medical screens and power switches. Nurses, like quiet soldiers posted on guard, come in, march attentively through the ma-chines, and go out. These men and women really care.

Finally, one of the surgeons comes in to check on Petra. He has had some sleep, and looks more like a movie star this time. As Pe-tra sleeps, he retells the story of the surgery, and we ask questions. The doctor reads the perfect script, as if he is on Hallmark Hall of Fame.Hefillsusinonthemiracle.Honest-ly, he doesn’t call it that, he just uses words like “happily” and “wonderfully” and “in a very fortunate way” and “luckily” and “we were really surprised by that.”

Kim and I know a miracle when we see it.

It seems as if the bullet traveled through Petra’sbrainwithouthittinganysignificantbrain areas.

The doctor explains that Petra’s brain

has had from birth a small “defect” in it. It is a tiny channeloffluid running throughher skull, like a tiny vein through marble, or a small hole in an oak board, winding from front to rear. Only a CAT scan would catch it, and Petra would have never noticed it.

But in Petra’s case, the shotgun buck shot, maybe even the size used for deer hunting, enters her brain from the exact point of this defect. Like a marble through a small tube, the defect channels the bullet from Petra’s nose through her brain. It turns slightly several times, and comes to rest at the rear of her brain. And in the process, the bullet misses all the vital areas of the brain. In many ways, it almost misses the brain it-self.

Like a giant BB though a straw created in Petra’s brain before she was born, it fol-lows the route of the defect. It is channeled in the least harmful way. A millimeter in any direction and the channel is missed. The brain is destroyed. Evil wins a round.

As he shares, the doctor seems taken aback. It is an odd thing to have a surgeon show a bit of wonder. Professionally, these guys own the universe, it seems, and take everything in stride. He is obviously gifted as a surgeon, and is kind in his manner. “It couldn’t have gone better. If it were my daughter,” he says quietly, glancing around to see if any of his colleagues might be

watching him, “I’d be ecstatic. I’d be danc-ing a jig.” He smiles. I can’t keep my smile back, or the tears of joy.

In Christianity we call it prevenient grace: God working ahead of time for a particular event in the future. It’s just like the God I follow to plan the route of a bul-let through a brain long before Batman ever rises. Twenty-two years before.

While we’re talking, Petra awakes. She opens her eyes, and sits up, “Mom.” Movie-star doctor spins to grab her, to protect her from falling. The nurse assures him she’s been doing this for a while. He talks to her, and she talks back. He asks questions, and Petra has the right answers. “Where do you hurt, Petra?” “All over.” Amazed, but pro-fessional, he smiles and leaves the set shak-ing his head. I am so thankful for this man.

Petra is groggy and beat up, but she is herself. Honestly, I look worse before my morning coffee. “I’m thirsty,” she pro-claims.

“You want an ice cube, honey?” Kim replies.

“Please.” Wow. She lays down, back to sleep, a living miracle who doesn’t even knowityet.Goodfloweringoutofthere-fuse pile of a truly dark night. “Thank you, Jesus,” I whisper.

Petra, you are amazing. Kim, you, too, are amazing. I am so proud of you both.

But God, you are in a league of your own. (Duh.)

There is much ahead. More surgerys. Facial reconstruction, perhaps. And for Kim, chemo therapy to stretch every moment out of life. But life remains.The ending is yet to be written for this family.

Onefinalnote:IamtoldPetrawilltakeherfirststepstoday.Timeforthemiracletogo for a walk.

Kim and Petra need our help. For more on the Andersons, or to help with their medical costs, please visit here. This is a great site.

SHOOTING from page 26

We Are Just A Click Away

www.praisereporter.com


Praise-n-$ave

Not a high-priced consolidation loan or one of those consumer credit counseling programs

Credit Card relieffor your free consultation Call

888-860-6651

burieddebt?

creditincardOver $10,000 in credit card bills?Can’t make the minimum payments?

✔ We can get you out of debt quickly

✔ We can save you thousands of dollars

✔ We can help you avoid bankruptcy

We’re here to help you Monday - Friday from 9am-9pm EST Not available in all states

Call toll-free: 1-888-590-4901Are You Still Paying Too Much For Your Medications?

You can save up to 90% when you fill your prescriptionsat our Canadian and International Pharmacies.

Generic equivalent of LipitorTM

Atorvastatin$67.00

LipitorTM $570.81compared to

Our Price

Call Toll-free: 1-888-590-4901

Please note that we do not carry controlled substances and a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication orders.

Use of these services is subject to the Terms of Use and accompanying policies at www.canadadrugcenter.com.

Call the number below and save an additional $10 plus get free shipping on your �rst prescription order with Canada Drug Center. Expires Dec 31, 2012. O�er is valid for prescription orders only and can not be used in conjunction with any other o�ers.

Get An Extra $10 O� & FreeShipping On Your 1st Order!

Order Now! 1-888-590-4901Use code 10FREE to receive this special o�er.

Missed This Issue?

Promote your business in an

upcoming edition.

Call 866.961.7191

October Issue: Political GuideNovember Issue:

Praise & Save Holiday Shopper’s Guide and Business Directory

Call today to advertise! 866.961.7191 ext

Praise On The Go!Download the Tune In Radio App from the App Market on Your Iphone or Android Phone

247praiseradio.com

“I love the music”listener from TX

“Yay, I found out about this radio over this past weekend, and I LOVe IT!!!! Keep up the

good work. ” deidre’, FL

“I love 247 praise.... thank you for this station...”elise dover, de

“Wow...all nice songs :)”James Wong, aK

WHaT peOpLe are SaYInG aBOUT 247 praiseradio

Contact us:866.961.7191

[email protected]

LIKE US AND FOLLOW US

@praisereporter

VISIT PRAISEREPORTER.COM FOR SCHEDULE

Is there a radio ministry in your vision. 247 is an affordable way to reach your goal.

praise reporter september 2012

Documents

sickle cell programs

sickle cell trait

sickle cell phenomena

sickle cell monthproclamations

result of sickle cell

local programs

local levels

local candidates