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Top Ladies of Distinction, Top Teens made Sickle Cell Awareness a primary goal for their civic organizations
sickle cell awareness proclamation
Photographed are Deloris Mitchell, Jalah Johnson, Delores Crawford, Cherisse Johnson, Wanda Hopkins, LeJon Crawford, Darias Jackson, Joseph Hopkins, Jarvis Johnson, Pastor Fairnot, B. Fairnot, Assistant City Manager Ryan Arnold, and Mayor Allen Brown. They came together to raise Sickle Cell Awareness on Sept. 19. - photo by Kayla Gamble

Bryan-Liberty Counties Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD) and Top Teens of America (TTA) support Sickle Cell Awareness as a part of one of their main projects of the organization.  

Since its chartering in 2014, the local chapter has supported both local and national efforts regarding sickle cell disease.  Recently, Chapter Sickle Cell Chairs, Lady Cherisse Johnson and Teen LeJon V. Crawford attended the 46th Annual Sickle Cell Association of Savanah, Inc.’s Sickle Cell Luncheon on Sept. 14.  

The event was well-received by the community and all in attendance.  Keynote speakers included Mrs. Shakara Gross and her son Javon Ayers.   This brave young man has endured the pains of sickle cell disease until recently.  Lady Johnson and Teen Crawford along with the many guests were in awe with the way Javon and his mother shared his journey with the disease and the miraculous outcome of his recent Generation Therapy Bone Marrow Transplant.  At this time, due to unwavering dedication in research and modern science; Jovan is free of the disease that has plagued him for a lifetime.  

Members of the Bryan-Liberty Counties Chapter of TLOD/TTA and several community leaders from Liberty County, were present for a Mayoral Proclamation for Sickle Cell Awareness that was presented to the Chapter.  

The event was held Sept. 19, and was witnessed by Dr. Deloris Mitchell (Tapestry Connection’s), Lady Wanda Hopkins, Lord Joseph Hopkins, Lady Cherisse Johnson, Lord Jarvis Johnson,  Jalah Johnson (Taylors Creek Elementary), Teen Jared D. Johnson (Liberty County High School), Teen LeJon V. Crawford (Liberty County High School), Teen Darius Jackson ( Bradwell Institute), Lady DeLandria Smith, Pastor Arthur Fairnot ( Liberty Christian Fellowship Worship Center, Inc.), Mrs B. Fairnot (Liberty Christian Fellowship Worship Center, Inc.), and Mrs. Delores Crawford, Principle of Button Gwinnett Elementary.  The Proclamation brought to the forefront that September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month; the importance of revering our senior citizens, beautifying our communities amongst other items.

It is the pledge of the members of Bryan-Liberty Counties Chapter TLOD that Sickle Cell Awareness, Suicide Prevention and revering seniors be  practiced on a daily basis rather than on a certain month or day.  The organization is based on service to the community and mentoring teens.

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