The Maryland Stealth Riders Auto Club has selected the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America as their charity of choice. 

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that contain mostly hemoglobin* S, an abnormal type of hemoglobin. Sometimes these red blood cells become sickle-shaped (crescent shaped) and have difficulty passing through small blood vessels.

There are several types of sickle cell disease. The most common are: Sickle Cell Anemia (SS), Sickle-Hemoglobin C Disease (SC) Sickle Beta-Plus Thalassemia and Sickle Beta-Zero Thalassemia.

Sickle Cell trait (AS) is an inherited condition in which both hemoglobin A and S are produced in the red blood cells, always more A than S. Sickle cell trait is not a type of sickle cell disease. People with sickle cell trait are generally healthy.

Sickle cell conditions are inherited from parents in much the same way as blood type, hair color and texture, eye color and other physical traits. The types of hemoglobin a person makes in the red blood cells depend upon what hemoglobin genes the person inherits from his or her parents. Like most genes, hemoglobin genes are inherited in two sets one from each parent.

Sickle cell disease is a global health problem. In the United States it is estimated that over 70,000 people have sickle cell disease. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year in America.

The average life expectancy in America has improved. It is now in the mid 40 years of age range. Sickle Cell is most present in African Americans, Arabs, Greeks, Native Americans, Italians and Latin Americans.

There is no universal cure for sickle cell disease. Research in gene therapy, the ultimate universal cure, is currently underway.

www.sicklecelldisease.org

The Maryland Stealth Riders Social Club has selected the American Cancer Society as their charity of choice. 

Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast.

There are two main types of breast cancer: Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type. And Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast, called lobules, that produce milk. In rare cases, breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast.

Over the course of a lifetime, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Risk factors can include age and gender, family history of breast cancer, genes, early menstrual cycle and late menopause.  Other risk factors include alcohol use,  first childbirth after age 30, hormone replacement therapy and obesity.

Early breast cancer usually does not cause symptoms.  As the cancer grows, symptoms may include breast lump, change in size, shape or feel of breast and fluid coming from the nipple.