Ted Frederic bobbed for apples in a cooler of ice in the middle of Turlington Plaza Thursday night.
Frederic, a 21-year-old biology senior, took part in a challenge for the Gators for Sickle Cell Warriors to support and increase awareness for the disease.
The club kicked off its first meeting by filming Frederic’s participation in an apple-bobbing challenge.
In an effort to raise awareness for the disease, the club, along with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Florida North Central Florida Chapter, will participate in a 2K walk Saturday.
The walk in honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month will take place at 9 a.m.
Saturday at Citizens Field, 1400 NE Eighth Ave.
The club, which started in January last year, will attend the fourth annual walk for the first time this weekend.
Sickle cell disease, a hereditary disease that causes distorted blood cells to get stuck in blood vessels, causes pain, infection and other illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 Americans.
Angela Sheppard, president of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Florida North Central Florida Chapter, said she is excited about the club’s support because it helps the cause.
About 200 people participated in last year’s event that raised $3,500. Sheppard said while she doesn’t have an official goal, she’s hoping to see 400 people and raise $5,000.
“We’re looking for Saturday to be bigger and better than last year,” Sheppard said.
The money raised goes to support local families affected by the disease.
Kemi Thomas, a 21-year-old telecommunication senior, is the president of Gators
for Sickle Cell Warriors. Thomas has sickle cell disease and said it has prevented
her from exercising or exerting herself and having a normal college experience.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people with sickle cell,” Thomas said.
The event will feature vendors, T-shirts and free food. Participants can register for $10 each with groups of 10 or more, or for $15 for smaller groups and individuals.
Registration and T-shirt pickup begins at 8 a.m.
Sheppard said she hopes to change the stigma that sickle cell disease is something to be embarrassed or ashamed about.
“It’s going to take some time, but we can change it,” Sheppard said.
