The Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation SCHAF, founded by Professor Adeyinka Gladys Falusi, on Wednesday, 13th December, 2023 celebrated its 11th anniversary by organizing a heartwarming Gifting Day event, for individuals battling with sickle cell diseases and their dedicated caregivers.
The event which took place at the Apex event center, Agodi metropolis of Ibadan, was attended by prominent dignitaries like the Prof. Soliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, Hon. Comm. For Education Science and Technology, Prof. Aina Adeogun of the OWSD Ibadan, Mr. Dele Opeyemi of the Global Masters Institute Canada, and many more were there to grace the occasion with their goodwill message.
The Gifting Day was aimed at bringing joy and empowerment to sickle cell patients and their caregivers. Attendees were treated to a day filled with various activities like goodwill messages, live testimonies of beneficiaries, motivational speeches, book launch and interactive sessions.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of thoughtful gifts to each participant, symbolizing the foundation’s commitment to improving the lives of those affected by sickle cell disease.
There were also quiz and trivia about the foundation and sickle cell diseases where lots of gift were disbursed to sickle cell warriors and were empowered with at least two warriors going home with a grinding machine.
In recognition of their invaluable service, SCHAF also presented awards to media outlets and operation sponsors where CEOAFRICA and NTA Ibadan, took the front line, which they have played a pivotal role in raising awareness and garnering support for the foundation’s cause.
The award serves as a token of appreciation for their efforts in helping SCHAF extend reach and impact. The Grand Masters Institute in collaboration with Skill Development Council Canada also presented an award to the founder while naming a scholarship scheme after her.
Professor Gladys Falusi, the winner of UNESCO-L’Oreal in 2001 and professor of Hematology started the foundation in 2012 to increase the awareness and improve the quality of care and support for sickle cell patients. The foundation has since then continued to lay a giant stride in the sickle cell world. She recently partnered with the Oyo state NYSC chapter and have been able to established the foundation presence in 5 major zones of NYSC in the state with the KYG campaign.
Reflecting on their journey, Professor Gladys expressed gratitude to God for the success of all the activities the foundation embarked on in the course of the year despite all the challenges they encountered and the unwavering support received over the years from the sponsorship of various pharmaceutical companies, donations, volunteers and the recent collaboration with the NYSC, which was instrumental in helping to provide assistance and support to larger number of sickle cell warriors with improved care.
She equally lauds the efforts of the Nigerian government in their support for the sickle cell organization. She further pleads for more support from the government especially in the insurance aspect as the type of care and support the sickle cell patients require is a lifetime commitment.
On her part, the President of the Foundation, Prof. Oluwatoyin NWAFOR, Professor of Infectious Disease in Medicine also added that the government should continue to look at initiative that helps with screening and education around sickle cell disease as there are large number of people out there who are not aware of how the disease can be managed. So, the government can put in place empowerment program and fund research to support those living with sickle cell disease.
Hon. Justice Tayo Osoba was the Chaiman of the historic event.
As SCHAF celebrates its 11th year of relentless effort, the foundation remains steadfast in its mission to provide hope, assistance and empowerment to individuals battling with sickle cell disease. With the continued support of sponsors, volunteers and the community at large, SCHAF aims to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
