Deb McGhee-McCrary is the CEO of the state’s Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, and Hank Aaron was a strong supporter.
It was Aaron who provided the seed money to help the Foundation get started nearly five decades ago.
McGhee-McCrary recalled for “Morning Edition” host Lisa Rayam how the Hall of Famer’s support for the Sickle cell Foundation was unwavering.
Also, McGhee-McCrary said via the organization’s media release statement:
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. joins the nation in mourning the passing of our national treasure, Henry “Hank” Aaron, our long-time advocate and board (emeritus) member. His homegoing precedes the organization’s anniversary gala at which Mr. Aaron had agreed to appear. While he was a legend on the baseball field, many may not know that Mr. Aaron was a generous benefactor (a family trait) and a huge fan of bowling. Indeed, as a friend of our founders, Mr. Aaron hosted countless celebrity-backed fundraisers with Pro-Am Bowling on our behalf. It was his kindness, too, that donated the Foundation’s first mobile clinic. On a personal note, my prayers are with the entire Aaron family – especially Gaile, Hankie, Dorinda, Larry, Alfreida, and Ms. Barbara. He is home. He is well. He is at peace.”
