Avionna Smallwood, the 8-year-old Miss Juneteenth of Minden, Louisiana, has been using her platform to raise awareness about sickle cell anemia. After being selected as Miss Juneteenth this summer, Smallwood took an interest in the disease and spent time researching its effects, particularly in the African American community.
“As you may know, September was Sickle Cell Awareness Month,” Smallwood said. “I didn’t know much about it, so I got help and found some helpful information I’d like to share.”
Smallwood highlighted that sickle cell disease (SCD) affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States, with more than 90% of those affected being African American. She also pointed out that the disease develops when both parents carry the sickle cell gene and can cause significant pain for those diagnosed. Additionally, she shared that the disease also impacts people of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent.
“There is no cure, but treatment does include medications, blood transfusions, and rarely a bone marrow transplant,” Smallwood explained. “Let’s be aware.”
Her efforts are aimed at increasing public knowledge of the disease, which is critical for early detection and management.
As Miss Juneteenth, Smallwood hopes to continue her advocacy and help others learn more about conditions like sickle cell anemia.
