Raising Sickle Cell Awareness 1 Mile At A Time! Annual 1K/5K Walk, Jog or Run for a Cure!

What?

• Event details: Grab your family and friends and Lets get active and Raise Sickle Cell Awareness One-Mile at a Time!
• Invitation: The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois (SCDAI) invites you, your family & friends to join us in raising awareness and funding for individuals in Illinois dealing with the daily struggles of Sickle Cell Disease!
• Fundraising goal: Our participant/team goal is to raise $50,000 and our sponsorship goal is to raise twice that amount at $100,000!
• Annual event: This is the 52nd Annual Walk in Chicago, the 14th Annual Walk in Alton, IL & the 2nd annual Walk in Peoria, IL.

Why?

• Affected population: Sickle Cell Disease affects more than 100,000 Americans of all different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• Diagnosis: Sickle Cell disease is diagnosed at birth and caused by genetically inheriting two sickle genes.
• Symptoms: Symptoms associated with Sickle Cell disease include anemia, infections, severe pain episodes, and strokes.
• Life expectancy: The average lifespan for persons with sickle disease has improved due to increased treatment therapies.

Who?

• SCDAI's mission: For 55 years, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois has worked in the community to improve the quality of life for individuals with sickle cell disease.
• Fundraising event: This is our largest fundraising event of the year.
• Tax-deductible donations: 100% of the proceeds from all our events are tax-deductible.
• Community benefit: Funds will go directly to support services for individuals with sickle cell, as well as awareness and education.

When?

• Event date: Saturday, September 19th, 2026.
• Registration: Register to participate individually or as a team and set your fundraising goal.
• Check-In: Begins at 9 AM CST and the Race begins at 10 AM CST.
• Photo sharing: Share your photos with us to showcase our community support!

Where?

• Location: Hayes (Francis) Park, 2936 W. 85th St., Chicago, IL 60652.

What is the cost?

• Registration fee: $40 donation per individual ages 5 and over (includes event t-shirt).
• Link to register: Register here.