Former Steelers receiver and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes recently joined us on the SN Podcast this week to talk about his foundation among other things.
Mr. Holmes started the Third and Long Foundation to help raise awareness, and support families that are affected by the Sickle cell trait.
Sickle cell disease causes normal round shaped red blood cells to take the form of a crestant shape.
According to WebMD
Normal red blood cells move easily through your blood vessels, taking oxygen to every part of your body. But sickled cells can get stuck and block blood vessels, which stops the oxygen from getting through. That can cause a lot of pain. It can also harm organs, muscles, and bones.
Mr. Holmes' son began to suffer from symptoms at an early age and that's when he decided to try to make a difference.
"As a parent of someone who has been diagnosed with SCD, I know how financially expensive and emotionally taxing the hospital bills and medication can be," Holmes said. "My goal is to help families that cannot afford the proper treatments by providing grants to organizations that assist these families."
Now that his playing days are behind him he has decided to set his focus on helping other families while going back to school at (The) Ohio State University.
On Tuesday Oct. 10 in Pittsburgh, he will he holding a bowling tournament to benefit his foundation. It is called 'Strikes Against Sickle Cell'. The event will be held at Noble Manor Lanes on Noblestown Road.
For information about becoming a sponsor for the event you can contact Rachael@TotalSportsEnt.com from our friends at Total Sports Enterprises.
For more information about the event you can visit the events page of his website Here
To Donate to the Third and Long Foundation you can do so by Clicking Here.
