NHLBI Director to Receive Award from Sickle Cell Fund

BALTIMORE, Aug. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In September, The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund, Inc. will celebrate National Sickle Cell Awareness Month by recognizing the accomplishments of Dr. Gary Gibbons, Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NHLBI plans, conducts, and supports research related to the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases; and sleep disorders.

Research funded by and conducted at NHLBI has led to significant advances in the fight against sickle cell disease. The Institute's website (www.nhlbi.nih.gov) also includes a variety of related resources about sickle cell disease.

"Under the leadership of Dr. Gibbons, NHLBI has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for those living with this blood disorder. Research funded by NHLBI and NIH-supported studies have helped extend the lives of those who have sickle cell disease," said Dr. Malcolm Joseph III, Medical Director for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield of Maryland and Board Member of The William E. Proudford Fund Sickle Cell Fund. "We applaud his outstanding commitment to sickle cell research and the engagement of the larger community."

The William E. Proudford Fund Sickle Cell Fund, founded in 2005, focuses its activities on educating the public about the need for new treatments, social support, and a universal cure for sickle cell disease. The Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Dr. Gibbons on Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at the Fund's 11^th annual fundraiser—"Rockin' the Red." This year's event will also honor clinical research teams. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Fund's artSPEAKS program (http://wepsicklecell.org/artspeaks), awareness and advocacy activities, as well as support of leading sickle cell treatment programs.

Pfizer is the Signature Sponsor for the evening, which will feature dinner, a silent auction, and stunning views of the Harbor. Patrice Sanders, Morning Anchor of Fox45 News, will act as mistress of ceremonies for the evening.

To attend the benefit or to make a donation, please visit www.wepsicklecell.org or email us at [email protected]. 

The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund, Inc.
11^th Annual Fundraiser – Rockin' the Red

Date:
Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Time:
VIP Mixer:  5:00 p.m.
Program and Reception:  6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: 
CareFirst Tower
1501 South Clinton Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21224

SOURCE The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund

Related Links

http://www.wepsicklecell.org