Honourable senators, I rise today at second reading to express my support for Bill S-288. This bill seeks to designate October 18 as hereditary blood disease awareness day.

As the Honourable Jane Cordy mentioned, the purpose of Bill S-288 is to highlight the realities and challenges faced by Canadians living with these diseases. Inherited blood disorders include a range of conditions such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, hemophilia and other serious genetic disorders. These diseases affect not only the individuals themselves, but also their families and loved ones, who share with them the challenges of these conditions, such as painful seizures, chronic fatigue, absenteeism from school and work, and the list goes on.

As our population becomes more diverse, these disorders, which are particularly prevalent in African, Caribbean, Mediterranean and South Asian communities, are becoming increasingly pervasive. It is our responsibility to ensure that all Canadians with inherited blood disorders receive the support and attention they need.

One of the most dreaded of these diseases is sickle cell disease. It results in abnormally shaped red blood cells, which impede blood circulation and cause painful blockages in the blood vessels. For those who suffer from this disease, that means recurrent episodes of intense pain, frequent hospitalization, increased risk of serious complications, such as stroke at the age of 18 or 20, and often a reduced life expectancy.

In my speech on Bill S-280, which seeks to establish a national framework on sickle cell disease, I explained the devastating effects of this disease, particularly on our young people. Let me remind you of the touching story of Ismaël.

Ismaël is a young Canadian who grew up with sickle cell disease. Like so many others, he suffered from inexplicable pain from a very early age, pain that was so intense that he often had to be hospitalized. On top of all that, Ismaël and his family had to face another equally difficult challenge: the lack of awareness of this disease, not only among the general public and in his school and work environments, but also among health care providers. Imagine having to struggle not only against unbearable physical pain, but also against looks of doubt, stigmatization and incomprehension. People with this disease also have to face the fear of the unknown and an uncertain future. For Ismaël and all those fighting these blood diseases, every episode is not only a battle against pain, but also a reminder of the lack of awareness, support and services. These people’s loved ones also bear this burden, as they strive to support their sick family member as best they can, often with very limited resources.

To that end, Bills S-280 and S-288 work hand in hand to combat this ignorance. I fully support Bill S-288 as one more step toward recognizing these diseases.

In conclusion, Bill S-288, through this awareness day, paves the way to a better-informed, more united and more equitable society for everyone living with these hereditary blood disorders.

Honourable colleagues, I am counting on you to send Bill S-288 to committee as soon as possible. Thank you.