Third Annual Patient Fair Educates Community by Briana Pastorino - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ MAY ►
S M T W T F S
26 27 28 29 30 01 02
03 04 05 06 07 08 09
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Third Annual Patient Fair Educates Community

By Briana Pastorino, Community Writer
September 26, 2016 at 04:52pm. Views: 64

LOMA LINDA>> September is sickle cell disease awareness month which is observed annually throughout the nation. Loma Linda University Health PossAbilities held its third annual patient fair Sunday, Sept. 18, at Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus, Tom and Vi Zapara Rehabilitation Pavilion, 25333 Barton Rd., Loma Linda. The afternoon was planned for all to enjoy as well as be educated about the No. 1 genetically inherited blood disease. “A joyful heart is good medicine,” said Sheila Marchbanks, sickle cell support director and patient liaison. “With cheerful participation of the entire community, this is a primetime opportunity to learn more about sickle cell disease and to meet and mingle with the people affected by it – the patients, parents, family, caregivers, health care providers, advocates, supporters and community leaders.” The fair is designed as a place for individuals to connect in a positive, pain free environment where conversation and relationships are fostered by an atmosphere of joy. With activities and presentations planned for all ages, from the youngest toddlers to the most esteemed mature adults, the event had educational components for everyone. The event featured entertainment from Mel Austin from Squeaky Clean Comedy, live music and an informational keynote session by Kenneth Carson, a SCD advocate and community leader. Marchbanks added that misunderstanding is quite common with SCD. “We hope to dispel some of that unknowingness associated with sickle cell disease,” she said. Sickle cell disease, named the "invisible disease,” is a blood disorder that occurs internally where the complications and manifestations of the disease may or may not be visible, and it affects approximately 100,000 Americans. Sickle cell awareness month and this patient fair are designed to make the disease known and more visible to everyone. “The goal for the afternoon (was) to shed light on this disease and demonstrate that we can all gain greater knowledge, understanding, compassion and care and experience to help others attain greater joy,” Marchbanks said.

Related Articles

Market Your Home to Attract the Right Buyer
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Margie Miller, Your Realtor, Community Writer

April 29, 2026 at 02:04pm. Views: 409

Preparing a home for sale is about more than listing it, it’s about presenting it in a way that helps the right buyer feel instantly at home.

Grand Terrace’s Own: Elysia Christina Fernandez Named 2026 Woman of the Year for the 58th District
Photo Courtesy of: Elysia Fernandez

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

April 30, 2026 at 12:04pm. Views: 1050

Elysia Fernandez and Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo holding Elysia's award for 2026 Woman of the Year for California's 58th Assebly District.

Top Graduates From Riverside County Public High Schools Honored

Photo Courtesy of: Riverside County Office of Education

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

April 30, 2026 at 12:04pm. Views: 805

Darian Noghani, Hillcrest High School, Alvord USD· Jasmine Verduzco, New Horizon High School, Banning USD· Christopher Valero, Beaumont Middle College High School, Beaumont USD· Larry Pozar Basilio, West Shores High School, Coachella Valley USD· Hannah Gbondo, Santiago High School, Corona-Norco USD· Rushil Ladhawala, Palm Desert High School, Desert Sands USD· Raef Johnson, Hemet High School, Hemet USD· Denise Muñoz, Jurupa Valley High School, Jurupa USD· Cassandra Caluag, Temescal Canyon High School, Lake Elsinore USD· Yaniah Gamboa, Moreno Valley High School, Moreno Valley USD· Christina Fayad, Murrieta Mesa High School, Murrieta Valley USD· Joel Ruiz, Desert Hot Springs High School, Palm Springs USD· Ariel Moreno, Palo Verde High School, Palo Verde USD· Daisy Casas Chavez, Perris High School, Perris Union HSD· Emanuel Garcia, Ramona High School, Riverside USD· Turner Daudert, San Jacinto Leadership Academy, San Jacinto USD· Lila Deinhammer, Temecula Valley High School, Temecula Valley USD· Bayann Jadallah, Citrus Hill High School, Val Verde USD

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Ezekiel “Eze” Jahen
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

April 30, 2026 at 12:03pm. Views: 524

Ezekiel “Eze” Jahen, a Senior at Grand Terrace High School, stands ready to lead as a key contributor for the Titans during their matchup against Carter High School.

Moreno Valley Schools Host Career Day to Connect Students with Local Employers
Photo Courtesy of: Photo courtesy of Moreno Valley Unified School District

By William Cortez, Community Writer

May 11, 2026 at 12:20pm. Views: 568

Students speak with professionals at career booths during a school career day event.

When to Plant Tomatoes in Southern California
Photo Courtesy of: Kieker

By Celia North, Community Writer

May 11, 2026 at 12:19pm. Views: 131

Consistent care and the right growing conditions can turn a small backyard plot into a productive harvest space.

Packing Hacks for More Space in Your Luggage
Photo Courtesy of: City News GroupPacking smarter is often less about bringing more and more about choosing better strategies from the start.

By Wyatt Pierce, Community Writer

May 11, 2026 at 12:19pm. Views: 124

When a Cold Becomes Something More
Photo Courtesy of: Sweet Louise

By MediLinePlus, Community Writer

May 11, 2026 at 12:19pm. Views: 144

Seasonal illnesses are common, but knowing how to manage symptoms and prevent spread can reduce their overall impact.

Refinishing Hardwood Floors Without Sanding
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Monica Alvarez, Community Writer

May 11, 2026 at 12:19pm. Views: 119

Updating flooring is one of the fastest ways to refresh a room’s look while adding durability and long-term value.

Renewing the Mind for a Transformed Life

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Miriam Lawson, Community Writer

May 11, 2026 at 12:19pm. Views: 119

Every act of faith begins small, growing stronger when nurtured with trust, patience, and purpose.

The Quiet Strength of Forgiveness
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Faith Montgomery, Community Writer

May 11, 2026 at 12:19pm. Views: 122

Sometimes healing begins not with answers, but with the simple act of holding what is fragile with care.

Washi Tape Bookmarks
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Miles Thornton, Community Writer

May 11, 2026 at 12:19pm. Views: 121

Handmade bookmarks featuring floral patterns and soft pastel tones add a personalized touch to reading materials and gifts.

--> -->