From left, assisting Fayetteville Postmaster
Doris Roden in the unveiling of a new stamp are Dr. Stephanie Shields,
Dr. James Eckman, and Fred Oliver of the Fayette County School System.
Photo/Carolyn Cary.
The Fayetteville Post Office was the site of a new stamp issue Thursday.
To raise awareness, encourage early testing, treatment, and focus attention
on finding a cure, a 37-cent Sickle Cell Disease Awareness postage stamp
was unveiled.
Fayetteville Postmaster Doris Roden was joined by Dr. James Eckman, director
of the Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Grady Memorial Hospital;
Dr. Stephanie Shields, clinical pharmacist at Southern Regional Health System;
and Fred Oliver, deputy superintendent, Fayette County Board of Education.
Oliver shared his family’s personal experience with the disease.
Affecting one in 12 African-Americans, sickle cell disease damages blood
cells by changing smooth and round cells into sickle shapes and making them
hard and sticky. This results in the blocking of blood flow and organ damage.
Complications range from intense paid to strike or death. It is estimated
that more than 80,000 Americans have this disease and two million more have
the sickle cell trait, meaning they carry one coy of the gene for the disease.
The invocation was delivered by the Rev. Edward J. Johnson Jr., pastor
at Flat Rock A.M.E. Church. The presentation of colors was carried by the
Sandy Creek High School Air Force ROTC, the Pledge of Allegiance was led
by Michel G. Couch of the Fayetteville Post Office, and the National Anthem
was led by Damien Wright of New Vision Community Church. He did such an inspiring
job that Roden asked him to close by singing another song. He chose “Amazing
Grace,” and encouraged the audience to join him in the singing.
Several tents were set up to offer brochures on Sickle Cell and the Post
Office had a booth selling first-day of issue envelopes with the new stamp
and various related items.
From left, assisting Fayetteville Postmaster
Doris Roden in the unveiling of a new stamp are Dr. Stephanie Shields,
Dr. James Eckman, and Fred Oliver of the Fayette County School System.
Photo/Carolyn Cary. 
