On Saturday, June 30, the community of East Boston came together to support the 1st Annual Arianna’s Hoops for Hope Fundraiser. Six teams competed in a basketball tournament that washeld to raise funds to support awareness for Sickle Cell Disease.
Sickle-cell disease (SCD), or sickle-cell anaemia (or anemia, SCA) or drepanocytosis, is anautosomal recessive genetic blood disorder with over dominance, characterized by red bloodcells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickleshape. Sickling decreases the cells’ flexibility andresults in a risk of various complications.
Paris St /Harborside Community Center won the championship, and «Fans of BaconA» (OrientHeights) were the runner-up’s. Arianna’s Hoops 4 Hope would also like to recognize the otherteams that dedicated their time on and off of the court: AngelaA’s CafA(c), Boston Latino TV, FireBirds & SpotdaBean. This year’s champions will have their name engraved in a perpetual plaquethat will be displayed at the Paris St Community Center.
AriannaA’s Hoops 4 Hope was made possible by the support of the following sponsors: Paris StreetCommunity Center, Cucchiello Bakery, Spinelli’s, Santarpio’s, MarioA’s, Capitol Waste Services, andBoston Diamond & Gold Exchange.
In addition to sponsors, family and friends came together to volunteer: Niva Cruz, Tiffany Robles,Krystal Figueroa, Nydia Robles, Marcella Castiello, Dena Dimarzo, Andrea Candreva and DeborahDiorio.
Arianna’s Hoops 4 Hope was was a great success. The event provided information about SickleCell Disease, a life-threating illness that Arianna Figueroa was born with, and also raised funds ofover $1,000, which will be donated to the Greater Boston Sickle Cell Association during theannual Sickle Cell Awareness Walk in September.
The organizersof this event were Arianna’s parents Danielle Flint and Melvin Figueroa, with theguidance of Johnny Ortiz, Youth Worker, Paris Street Community.
They all look forward to another fun filled day next year to carry on the sentiment for AriannaA’s Hoops forHope: A»together we can help ease the painA». More info is available on AriannaA’s Facebook page,facebook.com/pages/Ariannas-Hoops-4-Hope
Find more pictures in the section CARAS of El Planeta next week!
