By Karen Grey
PLANTATION, FL. — Ten years after losing her daughter to complications from sickle cell disease, Andrea Hall stood before a room filled with supporters Saturday evening, at Volunteer Park in Plantation, celebrating more than an anniversary; she celebrated a promise fulfilled.
The Shak’s Hope 10th Anniversary Casino Royale brought together City of Plantation Mayor Nick Sortal, community leaders, healthcare professionals, corporate partners, sickle cell warriors and their families for an evening of entertainment with a greater purpose: raising awareness, expanding education and ensuring more families understand the importance of knowing their sickle cell status.
Founded in January 2016 by Miss Jamaica Universe 2011and sickle cell advocate Shakira Martin, Shak’s Hope was established to normalize sickle cell trait testing throughout the Caribbean, African and American diasporas. Months after launching the organization, Shakira lost her battle with the disease she spent a lifetime courageously fighting. Refusing to allow her daughter’s dream to end, Andrea Hall-Brown transformed unimaginable loss into purpose, dedicating her life to continuing the mission Shakira began.
What started by serving fewer than a dozen families has grown into an organization supporting over 600 families annually throughout Jamaica and South Florida, providing educational resources, caregiver support, patient advocacy, medical equipment to sickle cell treatment units in Jamaica and year-round outreach designed to empower families with life-saving knowledge.
“Ten years ago, I promised my daughter that her voice would never be silenced,” said Andrea Hall-Brown, Executive Director of Shak’s Hope. “Tonight is a celebration of every family we’ve served, every child we’ve encouraged and every life we’ve touched. While we celebrate how far we’ve come, our work is far from over. Every person who learns their sickle cell status is another step toward changing the future for generations to come. My hope and intentions are to double the number of people served and who know their status by 2030. “
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed casino-style gaming, live entertainment, special performances and opportunities to connect directly with healthcare professionals and members of the sickle cell community. Funds raised during the celebration will support Shak’s Hope’s ongoing educational programs, patient assistance initiatives and advocacy efforts in both Florida and Jamaica.
“Living with sickle cell can sometimes feel like you’re fighting a battle that others can’t see,” said one Shak’s Hope participant. “This organization gave me more than information, it gave me a community that understands, supports and reminds me that I am never fighting alone.”
Healthcare professionals attending the event reinforced the importance of early education and testing, noting that understanding one’s sickle cell trait status empowers families to make informed healthcare and family planning decisions while helping reduce the impact of the disease on future generations.
As the evening came to a close, the celebration became something far greater than a fundraiser. It became a renewed commitment from over a hundred supporters determined to carry Shakira Martin’s vision into its next decade—transforming purpose into action, awareness into education and hope into lasting change for families affected by sickle cell disease.
Sponsors & Community Partners: Novo Nordisk, Genetix, Memorial Healthcare System, Sickle Cell Disease Research, agios, and GraceFoods USA
Families Represented: close to 700
“Ten years ago, Shakira Martin left this world, but tonight proved her mission never did. Family, friends, patients, and supporters gathered not only to celebrate her life, but to ensure that generations to come will know their status, understand the disease, and carry forward the hope she inspired.”
The evening gathering centered on legacy, measurable impact, and the community that continues to grow from one woman’s vision. What began in 2016 as one young woman’s determination to make sickle cell awareness impossible to ignore has become a movement spanning two countries and hundreds of families. Every ticket purchased, every hand shaken, every donation made and every conversation held Saturday night carried Shakira Martin’s vision one step further. For Andrea Hall-Brown, the evening was never about casino tables or prizes. It was about ensuring that another family is empowered with knowledge before tragedy has the chance to introduce itself.
For more information about Shak’s Hope or to support its mission, visit www.shakshope.com.