WHEREAS since 1981, the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario is a recognized voluntary agency that works with various organizations and individuals to improve the health and social well-being of individuals and families living with Sickle Cell disease and endeavours to increase awareness about the disease.
In December 2008, The United Nations General Assembly recognized Sickle Cell Disease as a public health problem and commissioned June 19 of each year as World Sickle Cell Day in an effort to increase awareness, collaboration and research of the disease. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first account of the disease in medical literature and, being that Sickle Cell disease is one of the world's foremost and at times, lethal genetic diseases, it is important to recognize and acknowledge this milestone anniversary.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2010 as "Sickle Cell Day" and commend the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario on its hard work and commitment to individuals and families affected by this disease.