On Saturday, September 14, CHEPSters visited Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to raise awareness and funds for the 2024 Sickle Cell Matters Walk, sponsored by the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.
“In no surprise to anyone whatsoever, CHEPS students and staff went above and beyond this weekend,” shared Sarah Reeves, PhD, MPH, pediatric epidemiologist at Michigan Medicine.
Since May, Reeves and her colleague Eric Scott, PhD—clinical child psychologist—have been collaborating with CHEPS students on a project working to reduce health disparities associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) by examining social barriers that reduce appointment and medication engagement.
U-M undergraduate students Chidimma Udegbunam (Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience and Afroamerican and African Studies), Catherine Sukpraphrute (Movement Science), Jagger Smith (Industrial and Operations Engineering), and Maggie Li (Nursing) have enjoyed learning more about the condition from the Reeves and Scott, both of whom treat young people with SCD every day.
“Learning about racial inequity in class is one thing, but being able to actually see how it operates and creates giant gaps in access, especially in those affected by sickle cell disease, is another,” said Udegbunam. She has worked at CHEPS since May 2023. “Despite all of the challenges, the sense of community and perseverance among those affected by the [SCD] is something to be admired and celebrated.”
“Chidimma was our top fundraiser for [the Maize and Blue Warriors] team!” Reeves added. “It is such a pleasure to have colleagues like you all.”
Whether by showing strength in numbers, raising funds, or conducting ethnographic research, CHEPS is taking steps—metaphorically and literally—to improve life for individuals with SCD.
— Written by Hannah Buck, CHEPS Staff