St. Johns, Antigua, June 27th, 2018 – Efforts to care and treat Sickle Cell patients in Antigua recently got a tremendous boost. During a handing over ceremony last week, FastCash Caribbean presented a cheque of US$15,000 to The Antigua Sickle Cell Association under its Corporate Responsibility Initiative. The funds will go towards the operations of the Sickle Cell Clinic, offering services to patients with Sickle Cell disease throughout Antigua and Barbuda.
The number of people living with the sickle cell disease in Antigua and Barbuda is alarming. About 18 % of the population (i.e. 1 in 6 persons) are carriers, and an estimated 1,500 patients have Sickle Cell Disease and need help desperately.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Country Manager of FastCash Caribbean Antigua Reichard Elvin commented on FastCash’s willingness to contribute to the management and treatment of the disease. “As a company we felt we could do more to help patients live more comfortable lives. As responsible cooperate citizens, we are excited about the opportunity to support the Antigua Sickle Cell Association in providing patients with the care and treatment they need.”
Also commenting at the event, Pediatrician, Neonatologist and President of the Antigua and Barbuda Sickle Cell Association, Dr. Edda Hadeed, expressed gratitude to FastCash Caribbean. “We from The Antigua and Barbuda Sickle Cell Association are overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion which Fastcash and its staff have shown us. Your willingness to help on such a large scale makes a world of a difference.”

According to Dr.Hadeed, the donation by FastCash will give Sickle Cell patients the chance to get treated for pain crises promptly, without delay, in a specialized clinic.
“We have furnished such a Sickle Cell Clinic, but we need to staff it now, so that we can deliver medical treatment for pain crises. Fastcash’s donation and your pledge of continued support is taking us a huge step closer to this goal. Living with Sickle Cell Disease takes an enormous amount of strength, energy and perseverance. It falls to us as Health Care providers to try and help with every facet of this incredibly difficult condition, but we cannot do it without our community’s support. You have our heartfelt gratitude.”