Rotarian and retired Lewisville police chief Russ Kerbow last week presented a check for $5,000 raised through Lewisville Noon’s flag program to the troop leader from BSA Troop 437 Lewisville. The funds help provide scholarships for the troop’s summer camp, canoeing excursions, orienteering outings, and other activities for Boy Scouts who need financial support to participate in these meaningful events where they learn valuable skills and build lasting relationships. Six members made Eagle Scout this year, Claire noted, and another three are on track to earn the highest Boy Scout rank. The Lewisville Noon Rotary is proud to support this excellent organization and provide a pathway for Boy Scouts to achieve their goals.
Rotary club member Dr. Michelle Martz last week hosted guest speaker Emma Achale (pictured above) for an eye-opening presentation on Sickle Cell Anemia, a disease of the blood that affects one in 365 Black or African American individuals, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
A native of Cameroon, West Africa, Achale moved to the U.S. at age 14 and was diagnosed with Sickle Cell disease at age 22, when she experienced severe headaches during pregnancy with her first child. “For my pregnancy with my son, I had three blood transfusions,” Achale said. “If there’s nobody to give you that blood, you might not make it,” she added, noting the importance of people donating through blood drives like the one sponsored by the Lewisville Noon club on March 15th at the Cross Timbers YMCA.
Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders, Achale explained, which causes the cells to become crescent-shape instead of round. The transmutation impedes blood flow, causing debilitating pain. The condition is genetic, and while Achale’s son did not inherit the disease, her daughter does live with the condition. One in 13 African Americans carry the genetic trait for the disease, according to sicklecellanemia.org.
Blood transfusions are the primary form of treatment, Achale explained, adding that bone marrow transplants, gene therapy, pain management through medication or chiropractic care, and hydration or oxygen therapy are other treatment options. The course of treatment depends in large part on the severity of the disease, based on the mutation.
Achale believes it is important to educate others about Sickle Cell Disease to help combat the stigma associated with the condition and also prevent women from aborting babies diagnosed in utero. It is still possible to enjoy a full and fruitful life, Achale said. “I do what I love and I never had any limits because of Sickle Cell,” she noted, especially because blood drives make it possible to get a transfusion when needed.
Past LNR club president Dennis Song is seeking people interested in joining an eight-week clinical trial concerning “brain fog” caused by Covid, Menopause, chemotherapy or another brain injury, such as a stroke.
Participants will receive three pharmaceutical grade supplements: Omega from algae, a probiotic, and a brain function antioxidant formula. At the beginning of the study and every two weeks, Dennis will conduct an assessment using a standardized cognition test call MOCA and a survey. Researchers will use this test to evaluate whether cognition is improving or declining. Participants will receive the supplements at no cost along with a stipend for participating.
To learn more or enroll in the study, please contact Dennis Song, RPh, CHC, at 972.355.4614 or dennis@flowermoundpharmacy.com.
Registration is now open for the Lewisville Noon Rotary 2024 BIG FORE Golf Tournament, our biggest fundraiser of the year. Players and prospective sponsors can visit the tournament website or scan the QR code in the flyer below to get details about the event and register and pay online. The flyer can be downloaded from the Lewisville Noon website here. If you're interested in joining the Golf Committee or volunteering at the golf tournament, or if you have a prospective sponsor for the event, please reach out to David Seaman. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Whether or not you plan to join the Golf Committee, be sure to mark your calendars for this year's Lewisville noon Rotary Big Fore Golf Tournament on Monday, May 6, 2024. This year's fundraiser will be held at Oakmont Country Club and promises to be a fun and memorable event. We have set an ambitious fundraising goal this year, so our club can give even more generously to local charities and non-profit organizations in our community through Lewisville Noon grants.
We give God praise at the news that Bobbie’s granddaughter is expecting her first baby. The bundle of Joy is due in August, and will be Bobbie‘s first biological great grandchild!
Please pray for Alex Buck's son, Eiler, who is recovering after a recent brain surgery procedure and for Terry Russell as he continues to heal from knee surgery.
You can send any specific prayer requests or praise reports to be included here to Melissa DeWitt at mdewitt1977@gmail.com.
WINE TASTING
Longtime Rotarian Rich Muller has once more arranged for the Lewisville Noon club to host a wine tasting and dinner at Bistecca. The event will be held the evening of March 7th and is limited to 40 people. Tickets are $50/person for a five-course prix fix meal including wine and tip. Email Rich at rich@vintagerealty.net for details or to reserve seats.
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