Public health advocate for sickle cell disease honored during 14th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness Dinner in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A public health advocate for sickle cell disease was honored Wednesday night during an annual event in Springfield.

Dozens gathered for the 14th Annual Sickle Cell Awareness Dinner at American International College to honor Mable Lene Sharif, who died in January this year. Mable was an advocate for those who suffer from sickle cell, a disease that damages the liver.

It’s been said that she embodied the motto “I am who I serve.” She helped educate people about the disease and its impact, especially among youth. Through this dinner, organizers say Mable’s mission of spreading awareness and finding treatments continues.

“Individuals suffer extreme pain. They are often mistaken as being drug seekers, especially because of the color of their skin. And that is why sometimes their treatment is not adequate in our community and emergency rooms,” said Chair of CAB Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Center, Brenda Evans.

According to the CDC, about 100,000 people in the US will suffer from sickle cell disease – more than 90% are non-Hispanic Blacks or African Americans.

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