09/25/2026
Day 2 of the 1st Annual Sickle Cell Awareness Weekend was truly special. ❤️
Families, organizations, and community members gathered in Seaside at Broadway and Noche Buena before setting out together on a 1.2-mile walk through Seaside. Led by the powerful sounds of the Seaside High School Drum Line and escorted by the Seaside Police Department, we walked together toward Laguna Grande Park in honor of those impacted by sickle cell disease.
It was a powerful sight—a sea of people moving through Seaside in matching white shirts provided by , many handwritten with the names of the sickle cell warriors they were walking for. We arrived at the park together carrying signs and banners, holding hands, and carrying the names and stories of loved ones with us.
Mayor .ian, who joined us for the walk, shared special words to officially kick off the afternoon at Laguna Grande Park. From there, attendees connected with our Resource Partners and learned about local programs, health and wellness services, and organizations serving our communities.
The afternoon included live music from Everyday People Band, a performance by , spoken word from of , and presentations from Bay Area health care workers who provided sickle cell education and eye-opening statistics about the disease and the people and families it impacts.
One of the most meaningful moments of the day came when Ava DeGruy’s father shared words of gratitude with everyone who came out to honor his late daughter. This entire weekend was dedicated to Ava, and we are grateful to everyone who helped carry her memory forward through awareness, education, action, and community. ❤️
Thank you to everyone who participated and showed up in support. Special thank you to the City of Seaside and everyone working behind the scenes to clean and prepare Laguna Grande Park.
📸 Photos from the event are available! Visit the link below to view and download photographs from last weekend.
https://linktr.ee/mcblackcaucus
