Sickle Cell Disease Association Announces Kier "Junior" Spates as Ambassador

Online, May 3, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Comedian Kier "Junior" Spates of the Steve Harvey Morning Show is joining the fight against sickle cell disease. Spates signed on as the national celebrity ambassador for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) after recently speaking out about his struggle with the disease. Together, SCDAA and Spates will launch the "Rise Above" initiative. The campaign will educate and raise awareness about the blood disease across the nation.

Spates, a native of Houston, Texas, boasts an impressive resume that includes television spots on Black Entertainment Television, collaborative efforts on the "Rickey Smiley and Friends" show and his role in Hinton Battle's "Love Lies" stage play. He is most notably known today for his hilarious and high energy commentary on the Steve Harvey Morning Show. "We are excited to work with such a bright talent as Kier. He is the perfect choice for raising awareness about sickle cell disease in addition to spreading joy to those who support our cause," says SCDAA President Sonja Banks.

Spates is also living with sickle cell disease. He hopes to inspire others and increase the support and visibility of the disease through this recent partnership with the SCDAA. For more information, please visit www.sicklecelldisease.org.

About Sickle Cell Disease Association of America:
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) celebrates 41 years of relentless service. Since 1971, the organization has been on the forefront of improving the quality of health, life and services for individuals, families and communities affected by sickle cell disease and related conditions. In addition, SCDAA has been and remains instrumental in promoting the search for a cure for all people in the world with sickle cell disease. Today it still stand as the nation's only membership- based nonprofit organization working full-time on a national level, to resolve issues surrounding sickle cell disease and trait.

Contact:
James C. Durrah, II, Health Communications Assistant
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.
[email protected]
(410) 528-1555