Prickly Bay Marina and IEA (the International Honor Medical Society of St George’s University) has done it again! Only a few short weeks after hosting a successful benefit concert for Dominica, Prickly Bay once again partnered with IEA to host a Special Fundraiser Bingo event on Saturday, 10 October. This time the recipient was the Sickle Cell Association of Grenada (SCAG).
Despite heavy rains, the event received significant support from a number of students who currently attend St George’s University, the cruising community and residents. The night’s bingo games had many attractive prizes including a sunset sailing trip for up to 20 persons aboard the catamaran — First Impressions, various farm animals, dinners and more. All monies collected from the purchase of bingo tickets were donated to SCAG. The total funds raised that evening amounted to EC$2,750.
Commenting on the evening’s event, Mr Turner said “It was interesting learning about the severity of Sickle Cell Disease and the number of Grenadians living with it. Prickly Bay Marina was pleased to partner with IEA on another fundraising venture as we believe it is important that we take care of our communities. Our nation’s people are the foundation of our Country and economy” he commented.
Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic disease, which is passed to offspring in cases where both parents have the sickle gene. Studies have shown that this disease affects more people of African descent than any other group. In fact, in the US, Sickle Cell Anemia is the most common genetic disorder, with about 100,000 persons living with this condition. Every year, another 1,000 babies are born with the sickling disorder.
IEA first became involved with the Sickle Cell Association of Grenada recognizing the significant occurrence of Sickle Cell Disease and trait in the Grenadian population. When a person has Sickle Cell Anemia, their body does not receive enough oxygen — due to the sickle (crescent moon) shape of the red blood cells — for it to function properly. As a result, they often experience pain in the body — especially the bones, tire easily, and are more susceptible to infections and can experience a Sickle Cell Crisis due to clogging of the blood vessels.
Marya Hicks, member of IEA, noted the importance of awareness regarding sickle cell anemia and the need to receive proper treatment “As medical students, we have learned how devastating this condition can be, especially if left untreated. The money raised from these fundraising endeavours will be used to purchase much needed medication, facilitate doctor visits to provide screening tests, and to promote awareness of this condition, so that persons diagnosed with it will be able to take better care of themselves” she commented.
Prickly Bay Marina remains committed to serving the community in which it operates. The Marina is also the home of ‘Rescue 1’, a voluntary emergency service which serves the south coast of the island responding to distress calls, security and medical issues. It is closely linked with the Grenada Coast Guard and Police Control.
