Brooklyn Rapper Torae Announced as Grand Marshal of the SCTPN 15th Annual Sickle Cell Walk

ATLANTA - Sept. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- This September, Brooklyn born rapper Torae will speak volumes for a disease that affects over 100,000 Americans.  As the Grand Marshal for New York City’s 15^th Annual Sickle Cell Walk, he will lend his voice to a cause that affects many in urban communities.  Often referred to as the silent killer, every year 20,000 people die from sickle cell disease.  In fact, over two million people carry the trait, yet many remain unaware of their status.

“There’s nobody really waving the flag,” says the Duck Down recording artist.  “We hear so much about AIDS.  We hear so much about cancer.  We hear so much about high blood pressure", says Torae.  “I don’t really feel like the word is out on sickle cell.”  Although Torae does not personally know anyone with sickle cell, he still believes it’s important to be aware of issues affecting his community.  “Its one of the reasons I wanted to get involved,” says Torae.  “I want to use the power of my voice to spread the word.”

The health conscious and socially aware rapper is no stranger to discussing issues that affects urban communities.  Often cited for being cognizant and astute, Torae practices what he preaches.  “I’m trying to stick to a healthy lifestyle, a healthy cause.  I want to look better, feel better, and be healthier,” says Torae who has started including fruits, vegetables, water, and juicing in his diet.  His message is simple and emphasizes the importance of awareness and living a healthy lifestyle.  “People need to be aware of their health,” says Torae.  “Be mindful.  Be healthier.”

Torae’s crusade for sickle cell is in partnership with SCTPN, the organization that will host New York City’s 15th Annual Sickle Cell Walk for Education and Awareness.  The event will take place on September 21, 2013 at Central Park – Merchants’ Gate from10am-3pm.   “The goal is to bring awareness to hip hop about ailments that affect our community.”  To learn your sickle cell status visit your primary care doctor.

For individuals interested in joining Torae on Saturday, September 21, 2013, go to SCTPNWalk.com (http://www.sctpn.net/1viralvoice/walk/) and click Team Torae (http://www.sctpn.net/1viralvoice/walk/2013/teamtorae/).

# # #

ABOUT TORAE
Torae is a rapper from the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, New York. Torae gained recognition by collaborating with DJ Premier and Marco Polo, on the critically acclaimed collaborative LP Double Barrel.  Torae has been featured in Hip Hop DX’s underground Hip Hop series and was named Chairman’s Choice in XXL.

ABOUT SCTPN

The Sickle Cell Thalassemia Patients Network (SCTPN) is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit volunteer organization founded by adults living with sickle cell disease and thalassemia.  SCTPN is dedicated to serving the New York sickle cell community by providing a voice for hereditary hemoglobin disorders.  Every September SCTPN hosts New York City’s Annual Sickle Cell Walk for Education and Awareness in Central Park.

For more information go to SCTPNwalk.com (http://www.sctpn.net/1viralvoice/walk/)

For press inquires contact Jo-Well Paupaw, dovehousemedia@gmail.com.

Want more Torae?

Watch the interview below to hear Torae discuss sickle cell, the state of black men’s health, eating healthy, and how he overcame his battle with weight.

http://www.sctpn.net/1viralvoice/walk/onlive-interview-coney-island-rapper-torae-speaks-volumes-for-sickle-cell-2pm-wed-aug-21-2013/