Dedicated to Ava 👑 DeGruy
We proudly serve families throughout Monterey County, including Seaside, Monterey, Salinas, Marina, Pacific Grove, Carmel, and California's Central Coast.
Join Us
Join us for two inspiring days dedicated to saving lives, raising awareness, and bringing our community together. Whether you donate blood, walk alongside us, or come to learn, your participation helps make a meaningful difference.
Start the weekend by helping save lives through blood donation at the Helen Rucker Center at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Blood donations are especially important for individuals living with sickle cell disease, many of whom depend on blood transfusions throughout their lives.
Receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card delivered by email after your successful donation.
Receive an exclusive American Red Cross Hello Kitty Mystery Item while supplies last.
Join us for education, entertainment, health resources, community support, and family-friendly activities created for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.
This annual tradition is dedicated to the life and legacy of Ava DeGruy, a remarkable young lady who lived with sickle cell disease. Ava moved through life with grace, determination, and a smile that inspired everyone around her. She was a positive force and refused to let her diagnosis define her. She looked forward to pursuing her dreams as a young entrepreneur and loved being a devoted daughter, and the very best big sister. Inspired by the compassion, strength, and joy that Ava shared with others, this event honors not only her life but every individual and family affected by sickle cell disease. Created through the partnership of Ava's family, the City of Seaside, the Monterey County Black Caucus, the American Red Cross, and the Helen Rucker Center at CSUMB, we are building a stronger community through awareness, education, advocacy, compassion, and hope.
Walk with us. Learn with us. Stand with our warriors and their families.
Event Highlights
Saturday, September 19, 2026
11:00 a.m.
1281 Broadway Ave., Seaside, CA 93955.
Receive your T-shirt on the day of the walk when we lineup. While supplies last.
Friday
September 18, 2026
9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Helen Rucker Center @ CSUMB
University Center, Bldg. 29
4314 6th Ave,
Seaside, CA 93955
Saturday
September 19, 2026
LINE UP @11:00am
Social Service Building.
1281 Broadway Ave.
Seaside, CA .
( Walking here )
Saturday
Septempter 19th
11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
1271 Canyon Del Rey Blvd.
Seaside, CA
Your support helps us bring sickle cell education, awareness,
resources, and community connection to California’s Central Coast.
If you’re using the link, click "Sickle Cell Awareness Event" from the dropdown menu.
Bet you can't say NO!
Welcome to our sickle cell community.
We cant wait to meet you on
September 19th 2026, in Seaside, CA.
