By Robin Dopoe – November 8, 2017
Liberia model Mapillar Dahn, with her award.
A Liberian model now turned philanthropist, Mapillar Dahn, has been honored by the Classy Living Society in Park Forest, Georgia, United States at its 4th Annual Red Dress Gala. Dahn was awarded for her dedication to positively impacting society through her work as the founder of the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation.
Since its inception two years ago, MTS Sickle Cell Foundation has been on a mission to increase public awareness of sickle cell anemia and provide support to families affected by this life-threatening disease in the United States.
Dahn whose three beautiful daughters Amatullah 13, Khadeejah 12, and Hajar 8 suffer from the disease, said in a facebook interview that she is “honored to have received such an amazing award” because it gives her more zeal to do more for the sickle cell community.
Founded in 2013 by LaShanda Pitts, the Classy Living Society is a membership driven organization committed to providing volunteer services as a hands-on community partner. It hosts fundraisers for local charities and specializes in organizing various types of events.
“I do not do what I do for the sickle cell community in order to get awards or recognition. But getting one is reassuring. It lets me know that others not only see the work that we are doing but appreciate it.
“For me, that’s encouraging because philanthropy is not easy. There are times when trying to accomplish your vision seems unattainable. Having people appreciate you is highly encouraging during the not so good times,” she said.
Mapillar appealed to guests at the event to support the sickle cell community by donating blood as often as they can to save more lives.
She added, “This is very important for a patient like my daughter Khadeejah who relies on frequent blood transfusions to live. Because sickle cell patients tend to need blood on a regular basis, it’s very important that the blood they receive come from donors who are genetically similar.”
Mapillar said that although a majority of those affected by sickle cell in the United States are of African descent, only 1 percent of blood donations are from donors of Black ancestry.
“Let’s try to change this by organizing blood drives or participate in them. If you’ve never had a reason why, you now do. It is time to start donating blood. I want to give thanks to all those who give of themselves for total strangers like us. You will never know how important your donation is. Please join the fight and help save more lives,” she said.
To learn more about Mapillar and the work that she’s doing to promote sickle cell awareness and advocacy through MTS Sickle Cell Foundation, visit www.mythreesicklers.org.
