Candis King 1.5-mile SCD Awareness Memorial Walk & Community Blood Drive
About this Event
Honoring the Life of Candis King
This community outreach is being organized by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter (PWCAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Delta GEMS Educational Program to honor the life and legacy of Candis King. Candis was a PWCAC Delta GEM that attended Charles J. Colgan, Sr High School; she was active in her school and community. September is Candis' birth month and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Month. Candis' impact on this world supersedes her 15 years on this earth. We are walking 1.5-miles to honor those precious 15 years.
The walk seeks to honor Candis King and all warriors, raise SCD awareness, education, resources, and support SCD warriors and caregivers through community engagement and advocacy. The morning will include a time to honor Candis, a 1.5-mile SCD Awareness Walk, education from partners, legislative awareness information, and a blood drive in honor of Candis King. SCD trait screening will be available on site. Please support the ongoing need for blood donations - you never know your blood may help a SCD warrior.
We invite everyone to join us in walking, increasing awareness about sickle cell disease, and supporting the lifesaving gift of blood donation. Please bring your family and friends as we come together to make a meaningful impact in our community.
Thank you to our partners:
American Red Cross
GENETIX Biotherapeutics
George Mason Center for Community Mental Health
Girl Scouts, Nation's Capital
The Heart of Gold Foundation
Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease
INOVA Adult Sickle Cell Center
Maryland Sickle Cell Disease Association
Sickle Cell Association of the National Capital Area (SCANA)
Sentara
Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Sickle Cell Awareness Program
Warm Regards,
Melonie Barrow and Gina Carrell
Co-Chairs
PWCAC, Delta GEMS
DID YOU KNOW?
The Queen Candis Act
The Queen Candis Act was signed into law on Thursday June 11, 2026, in honor of our forever GEM Candis King.
The bipartisan legislative package Governor Spanberger signed into law supports parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals in managing, recognizing, and treating sickle cell disease. The new laws create greater training for school nurses across Virginia on sickle cell disease and support high school coaches in identifying the risks for student-athletes with the sickle cell trait. Additionally, the Governor signed legislation to establish Virginia’s first sickle cell trait awareness and education program and create the Virginia Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network to connect healthcare providers with real-time consultation from sickle cell specialists.
This is a First-in-the-Nation Package to transform sickle cell care. New laws will expand education, training, access, and coordinated care for Virginians with sickle cell disease.
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Honoring Candis King and Partner Recognition Program (located on the track)
Info: We will come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Candis King. Guests will hear remarks from Candis King's family, the President of the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., members of the Delta GEMS Committee, and Delta GEMS participants. We will also recognize our valued community partners and honor Candis through special tributes, including music and dance, as we celebrate her enduring impact on our community.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
American Red Cross Blood Drive in Honor of Candis King (Auxiliary Gym)
Info: Please register to give blood at this link:
🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1.5-mile Candis King SCD Awareness Walk (located on the track)
Info: We encourage all participants to set their watch, fitness tracker, or favorite walk/run app to track their distance and time as they complete the course.
Once you reach the 1.5-mile mark, celebrate your accomplishment by taking a photo and sharing it on social media to help raise awareness for sickle cell disease. Be sure to use the hashtags:
#SCDAwareness
#HBDCandis
Together, we will honor Candis' legacy, raise awareness, support the sickle cell community, and take steps toward a healthier future—one mile at a time.
Queen Candis Sickle Cell Act
Info:
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
