A Nod to “NAZ” and All Sickle Cell Warriors
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, designated by Congress to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is categorized as an orphan disease in that it affects less than 200,000 persons. Â
About 100,000 persons in the U.S. are affected of which 90% are Black and 10% Latinx. SCD affects the red blood cells and blood vessels throughout the body causing a multitude of problems including severe pain, stroke, and early death. Compared to other orphan diseases (i.e. hemophilia, cystic fibrosis), SCD has not received the same level of interest and funding leading to less access to quality care and poor health outcomes. The painting is the work of artist Hertz Nazaire, a sickle cell warrior who succumbed to complications of SCD at 48 years of age. The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America is presenting a traveling art exhibit celebrating the life and work of Hertz Nazaire - THE NOD TO “NAZ†EXHIBIT: A TRIBUTE TO HERTZ NAZAIRE. The exhibit moves to Los Angeles on September 18-21, 2024. The Nod to Naz (hertznazairegallery.com)