Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Information

What is the Cure Sickle Cell Walk & Family Fun Day?

CHOP’s Cure Sickle Cell Walk & Family Fun Day is a celebration and ceremonial walk honoring individuals with sickle cell disease and remembering those we have lost. All funds raised benefit sickle cell research and care at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The day will be filled with fun activities for the entire family, such as moon bounces, face painting, food and beverages as well as sweepstakes, inspiring patient stories and more. Teams and individuals can sign up for the walk and participants of all ages are welcome.

How do I get started?

Visit the Cure Sickle Cell Walk registration page. Sickle cell patients can register for free! Next, you will select to participate as an individual, join a team, or create a team. If you select create a team, you will then be asked to choose a team type: friends and family, corporate, college/university or CHOP employees.

Is there a fundraising requirement?

No, but we highly encourage participants to fundraise as all funds help create breakthroughs in care and advance research for sickle cell disease at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Donations create new hope for children who have this painful and life-limiting disease – so start fundraising!

Is there a limit to how many people can be on a team?

There is no limit! Please encourage your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and anyone else you can think of to join your team to support sickle cell research and care at CHOP. Have questions about creating or joining a team? Email CureSickleCellWalk@chop.edu.

Are there sponsorship opportunities for my company?

Yes, view our corporate opportunities or contact paparoneE@chop.edu for additional sponsorship information.

Registration

What are my responsibilities as a team captain?

Team captains customize the team page, recruit team members, and motivate their team to raise funds to support breakthrough sickle cell research and care.

If I had a team in a previous year, do I have to start over again?

Yes. Captains should visit the Cure Sickle Cell Walk registration page. As a captain, you can register by logging in and using the same email and password as the previous year. Then, you can start your team using the same name as last year and register for the event.

Can’t remember your login or password? Email CureSickleCellWalk@chop.edu for a reset!

When is the last day to register?

Online registration ends at noon on Thursday, June 13, 2024. However, participants can still register in person on the day of the event, Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Citizens Bank Park.

Fundraising

How can I raise funds for the Cure Sickle Cell Walk?
There are so many ways to raise funds to help create discoveries that will transform the lives of patients with sickle cell disease through the Cure Sickle Cell Walk! You can start by personalizing your fundraising page, sharing your page with your family and friends and checking out our Fundraising Tips to get started.

What are ways that I can secure donations?

Your supporters can donate online through your fundraising page and donate in person through our ways to give.

How do I win the Dr. Ohene-Frempong Top Fundraising Team award?

Created in memory of Dr. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, who dedicated his life to fighting sickle cell disease around the world, this award is given to the team who has fundraised the most for the event as of two weeks prior to the event date. Each team may win this award only once.

Will I receive a tax receipt for my contributions?

Donations made payable to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Children’s Hospital Foundation will receive a tax ID letter. Registration fees are not tax deductible.

Can I send a check to go toward my fundraising goal?

Absolutely! Checks should be made payable to “CHOP Foundation — Cure Sickle Cell Walk.” Add the participant’s name or team you are supporting in the memo line and mail it to:

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation
Attn: Cure Sickle Cell Walk
P.O. Box 781352
Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352

*If sending multiple checks, please use our gift deposit form to ensure all donations are credited to your team.

 How do I know if my company has a matching gift program?

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions or volunteer hours made by their employees. Search our matching gifts directory to see if your company has a matching gift policy. You could double or even triple your contributions! Don’t forget to add your matching gift to your fundraising page as an offline donation.

Event Day

Where can I park?

Complimentary parking will be available at Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Park Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148. Get directions. A parking map will be available soon!

Is there a rain date?

No, the event is rain or shine, so we encourage everyone to dress for the weather.

What will I get at the event?

Besides an amazing day of celebration and fundraising to support sickle cell research and care at CHOP with your friends and family, you will receive a Cure Sickle Cell Walk T-shirt, drinks, snacks and entertainment.

Are dogs welcome at the event?

No, unfortunately, only service animals are allowed. Dogs are not permitted at the event because of our insurance policies.

May I bring a stroller?

Yes, strollers are permitted on the walk and at the event.

Will there be restrooms available?

Yes, there will be restrooms available on the concourse.

 What should I wear to the walk?

We encourage all participants to wear comfortable, active clothing and shoes. Don’t be afraid to show your spirit with team shirts, hats or more!

Will there be food and drink at the event?

Yes, there will be drinks and snacks for all registered participants at the event.

May I bring my own food and beverage to the event?

Yes, you may bring your own food or beverages if desired.

How can I volunteer at the Cure Sickle Cell Walk?

Please email CureSickleCellWalk@chop.edu for volunteer information!