CELLFiE Project

June 18, 2026, was World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, an annual event to bring awareness to the disease known as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

SCD is a rare genetic blood disorder which causes red blood cells, normally flexible and round, to become rigid and sickle-shaped, which gives name to the disease.

Children with SCD in the CELLFiE Project see their own blood cells under the microscope, and learn about disease-specific management strategies.

Temi Alo, 13, recently had her personalized tour. She went into the CELLFiE visit with a good amount of knowledge about her condition but did find it helpful and learned even more.

“I know in the future how to deal with my sickle cell better. I know to drink more fluids to stay hydrated and how my taking folic acid helps with my treatment,” she said.

To commemorate the experience, Temi received a lab coat and stuffies of normal and sickled red blood cells. Each participant receives these items to take home, some of the stuffies are hand-made by lab staff and community volunteers.

For more on the supports the CELLFiE Project provides children with SCD, read the full post on the IWK website.