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Several of AARP's top Memphis leaders are featured in photos with a Commercial Appeal story about the 2009 Sickle Cell Walk, which raises money and awareness about the disease.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder that affects red blood cells. People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that contain an abnormal type of hemoglobin. Sometimes these red blood cells become sickle-shaped and have difficulty passing through small blood vessels. When this occurs, less blood can reach that part of the body. Tissue not receiving a normal blood flow becomes damaged, resulting in lung damage, causing acute chest syndrome, pain episodes in the arms, legs, chest and abdomen and possibly strokes. It also causes damage to most organs, including the spleen, kidneys and liver. There is no cure.

AARP Tennessee helped sponsor the event as part of its focus on health issues, healthy behavior and community service. Several AARP volunteers and staff members joined in the event. What a great way to Create the Good!