I’m Aware: Charlottesville Restaurants Boost Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease with Giveaways
Did you know that June 19 is Sickle Cell Awareness Day? If not, you’re not alone. While many know the date as Juneteenth, sickle cell disease has long suffered from inadequate attention, leaving its patients underserved. Charlottesville restaurants are helping by raising awareness and offering free food and drink for you to join them. Read on to learn how.
Sickle cell disease is a serious, inherited blood disorder in which misshapen red blood cells block blood flow through small blood vessels, causing organ and tissue damage. For the 100,000 Americans afflicted by it, the results can be extreme fatigue, pain, anemia, jaundice, and a life expectancy shortened by 20-30 years. There is no universal cure. Despite its prevalence and severity, the disease remains largely unknown to the general public.
Why? Part of the reason may be that almost all sickle cell disease patients are Black. One in every 365 Black Americans has the disease, while 1 in 13 carries the sickle cell trait, putting their children at risk. With the disease’s impact affecting a small and historically disadvantaged population, it receives far less recognition and funding than diseases that afflict far fewer patients.
This lack of attention has real consequences: delayed diagnoses, limited resources for research and treatment innovations, and, at times, a stigma for patients. Broader awareness can address all of this, as studies show that early detection improves patient outcomes. Spreading awareness not only aids early detection, it also drives funding and education, advancing treatments, and reducing the disease’s stigma. Awareness also helps ensure that families of patients understand the implications of the diagnosis and engage in consistent care. As more individuals know the signs, risks, and resources, we can promote better healthcare for all people, including the historically underserved.
I’m Aware
Spread Sickle Cell Awareness and Enjoy Giveaways at Charlottesville Restaurants
On June 19, just by saying “I’m Aware” to their server, guests who dine onsite at these restaurants will earn the offer listed below. Some are 29% discounts, and some are other treats. Participating guests are encouraged, but not required, to donate to fight for a cure and spread awareness of sickle cell disease. (Restaurants can email charlottesville29@gmail.com to join the cause.)
29% Discount
Bonny & Read 29%
Conmole 29%
Fleurie 29%
Oakhart Social 29%
Petit Pois 29%
Smyrna 29%
The Ivy Inn 29%
Other Offerings
Al Carbon Free dessert.
Bang! $10 Cocktails.
Citizen Burger Bar Happy Hour all day at the bar.
C&O Free dessert.
Crush Pad $19 Fire Sale on select bottles.
Ethos Happy Hour all day. $2 off wine glasses. $1 off pots of tea.
Firefly Free post-dinner chocolate or dipped oreo from Cocoa & Spice.
Kanak Free samosa or vegetable pakora.
MarieBette Free pain au chocolat.
Milan Free samosa or vegetable pakora.
Mockingbird Free fried green tomatoes (or dish of equal value.)
Petite MarieBette Free pain au chocolat.
Royalty Eats 10 wings & fries for $12, and $5 margaritas.
Sbrocco’s Free coffee.
The Alley Light 29% off wine bottles and dessert.
The Wine Guild Member for a Day benefits.
Tilman’s $2 off all spritz.
Tonic $2 off classic cocktails.
Vitae Spirits Downtown $10 “I’m Aware” Cocktail.
Zocalo Free dessert.