Here’s a bit of what I said last night in the House of Commons:
“I’m sure many folks out there would ask ‘why do we need to make another day of awareness for a cause? Why should Bill S-211 matter to Canadians?’
When it comes to health issues- especially when it comes to health issues that generally effect very specific demographics- we must raise awareness. There are Canadians out there who don’t even know that they carry the sickle cell trait. Awareness will ensure that more folks are tested- that we have a better understanding of what it means when our friends or family are diagnosed with Sickle Cell. And what it means if we ourselves are diagnosed.
By raising awareness we bring attention to this serious hereditary genetic disease. We keep it top of mind among our best researchers our fundraisers and our communities.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all of my colleagues from throughout the House for listening to me speak on Bill S-211 today. After sitting in my office and listening to the stories of those affected and suffering from Sickle Cell Disease- I jumped at the opportunity to sponsor and support this Bill. Canada is a world leader when it comes to championing human rights, maternal and newborn health. We are known throughout the world for our optimism, compassion and empathy.
We have the ability here to shine a light on this disease and to change the lives of those who are suffering. If we, as Parliamentarians and Canadians, were to adopt June 19th as National Sickle Cell Awareness Day we would be lending a powerful united voice to the world stage in recognizing the devastating effects of this disease. Together we can honour those who suffer in silence- Those who spend 10-20 of their days per month sitting in hospitals getting blood transfusions. And those newborn babies who are born every day with this debilitating disease. I ask you join me in supporting Bill S-211 to to establish June 19th as National Sickle Cell Awareness Day.”
