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Many in Winchester are dedicated to offering support for others. 

Recently, Robert D. Campbell Junior High School on Boone Avenue was the site of two charitable efforts to raise money and more for local causes. 

The 5th annual Winchester Walk N’ Roll for Spina Bifida occurred, as did a walk dedicated to bringing awareness to sickle cell anemia titled “Small Things to a Giant”. 

“Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States,” said Anna Baker, administrative manager with Spina Bifida of Kentucky. “There are more than 1500…babies born every year with Spina Bifida…there is no cure, but with medical management most people with spina bifida can lead a healthy, productive life.” 

“Sickle cell is a blood disease,” said local resident Tameka Hampton. “We’re just trying to find awareness because no one really knows anything about it.” 

Spina Bifida, as stated at https://www.cdc.gov/spina-bifida/about/, “can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not form properly or close all the way. When the neural tube doesn’t close all the way, the backbone that protects the spinal cord doesn’t form and close. This often results in damage to the spinal cord and nerves.”

With symptoms ranging from mild to severe, neurological, orthopedic, urological, or other complications could arise. 

Sickle cell anemia, as stated at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355876, “is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle cell disease. It affects the shape of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body.” 

For Hampton, feeling the impact of sickle cell disease is personal, as her daughter was diagnosed with it when young. 

“Our normal red blood cells are circled, and hers are shaped like a crescent, so they get stuck together and [it] causes her joint pain,” she said. “She was diagnosed at six weeks, so she’s been dealing with doctors all her life.” 

Similarly, Amie Moore – an employee of Mountain Comprehensive Care Center who played an essential role in putting together the Walk N’ Roll event – has been impacted as her son, Lincoln, was diagnosed with spina bifida at birth. 

“When we first heard about Lincoln…having spina bifida, we had no idea what spina bifida was and a lot of people may have not known either,” she said. “We’re fundraising for [the] Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky, but also bringing awareness is a big deal to me.” 

Individuals present each walked at least one lap around an outdoor track located just outside of the school, with many opting to do more. 

At the Walk N’ Roll event, a number of local businesses donated items for a silent auction. 

Among them were Lowe’s, Planet Fitness, Biggby Coffee, WinCity Sports Cards, The Barre: A Fitness Boutique, Leeds Center for the Arks, Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation, and Dirty South Pottery. 

A total of $2,287 was raised. 

Several booths were also present for attendees of both events, including ones for The Kidz Club and Scentsy.