Breaking the Sickle Cell Cycle, One Step at a Time

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)  —  Behind the colorful make-up, clothes and the cat walk, excruciating pain, debilitating exhaustion and overwhelming emergency room visits are quick to remind Kharlybia Roane she has sickle cell disease.  The illness is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells and causes organ damage, anemia and lifelong episodes of pain.

“God doesn’t put any more on you than you can handle,” said Roane.  “I feel like I’ve been given sickle cell because I’m a strong person.”

The Dreher High School senior and budding model, who participated in Columbia Style Week and New York Fashion Week, is perfecting her walk for her Paris, France debut later this month.

But, there’s another walk this weekend she’s most happy about.

Saturday, the 8th Annual Dr. James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Walk takes over downtown Columbia. Funds raised help students like Kharlybia, and other college-bound high school graduates, pursue higher education.

“We provide scholarships to high school, college bound seniors,” said Felicia Robinson.  “Over all it helps with awareness about sickle cell.”

It’s an awareness Kharlybia hopes others understand and embrace the way she has.

“You have sickle cell. Sickle cell doesn’t have you.”

The theme for this year’s walk is Breaking the Sickle Cell Cycle, One Step at a Time.

Registration fee is $15 per person and includes all events and a commemorative T-shirt.  You may register on site beginning at 7:30 am Saturday, at St. Luke Episcopal Church, 1300 Pine Street, Columbia.  The kick-off ceremonies with 2013 Walk Ambassador Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin will be held at 8:00 am, with the walk beginning at 8:30 am.

If you would like to donate to the James R. Clark Memorial Scholarship Fund, call 803-765-9916.